Snap Connection Assembly With Low Assembly and High Holding Force
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection assemblies that increase holding forces often require higher assembly forces, making them impractical for applications where low assembly forces are desired.
Innovation Solution
The connection assembly features latching elements with movable portions along a movement path that includes a component parallel to the axis of relative movement, allowing for low assembly forces while maintaining high holding forces by utilizing a stop to hinder disassembly, thus requiring higher disassembly forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If holding forces are increased in snap fasteners, then attachment strength is improved, but assembly forces are greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The latching element is designed with a movable latching portion that can dynamically change its position along a movement path. During assembly, the latching portion moves along a first portion of the movement path requiring low assembly forces. During disassembly, the stop hinders movement requiring high disassembly forces, thus achieving high holding force with low assembly force.
Solution Approach 2:
The movement path of the latching portion is segmented into at least two distinct portions: a first portion for assembly with low force requirements and a second portion for disassembly with high force requirements due to the stop. This segmentation allows different force characteristics for different operational phases.
2Reliability
If holding forces are increased for high-strength applications, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design changes the geometric parameters of the latching element, specifically the movement path and the position of the stop, to achieve different force characteristics. By adjusting the geometry of the movement path portions, high reliability is achieved without requiring complex additional components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design allows for moderate assembly forces combined with high holding forces, making it suitable for applications where low assembly force is necessary without compromising holding strength.
Implementation Method 1
The at least two latching portions of the at least one latching element are each movable along a movement path starting from a non-deformed rest state
Data Source
AI summary
A connection assembly includes first and second components joinable along an axis of relative movement, starting from a separated disassembled state, into an interconnected assembled state, and transferable back into the disassembled state. The first component has a latching element and the second component has a latching element receptacle which cooperates with latching portions of the latching element in the assembled state. The latching portions are offset relative to each other when viewed in a circumferential direction, and are each movable along a movement path starting from a non-deformed rest state. A first portion of the movement path points in a disassembly direction, and a second portion of the movement path points in an assembly direction opposite the disassembly direction. The first portion of the movement path is limited by a stop against which the latching element rests in a course of disassembling the components.