Nested Clip Assembly for Splash Guard Mounting on Projecting Edges
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing use of global vehicle platforms has led to varying vehicle standards across regions, resulting in mounting challenges for securing splash guards on vehicles with rear bumper fascias that lack a flanged lip or rolled edge, making it difficult to attach splash guards using traditional threaded fasteners.
Innovation Solution
An attachment clip assembly comprising an inner and outer clip with wedging and gripping arms, along with a fastener, that securely attaches to the projecting edge of a vehicle panel, allowing for the mounting of splash guards without the need for an inwardly extending flanged lip or rolled edge, utilizing a nested clip design and ratcheting mechanism for secure fastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional threaded fasteners are used to mount splash guards, then secure attachment is achieved on vehicles with flanged lips or rolled edges, but mounting is not feasible on vehicles with projecting edges lacking inwardly extending flanged lips
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into multiple functional components: an outer clip that engages the projecting edge, an inner clip that secures the splash guard, and a fastener that connects both clips. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, enabling the system to adapt to different mounting surfaces while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip assembly acts as an intermediary device between the splash guard and the projecting edge. Instead of directly fastening the splash guard to the edge (which is not feasible), the clip assembly mediates the connection by engaging the edge and providing a mounting surface for the splash guard, thus bridging the compatibility gap.
2Reliability
If a nested clip design with wedging arms is used, then secure attachment to projecting edges is achieved, but device complexity increases compared to traditional single fastener systems
Solution Approach 1:
The clip assembly employs a nested structure where the inner clip is positioned within the outer clip. This nesting arrangement allows both clips to work together in a compact configuration, with the outer clip engaging the projecting edge and the inner clip securing the splash guard, thereby achieving reliable attachment while minimizing space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedging arms of the clips are designed to move dynamically during installation. As the fastener is tightened, the wedging arms are forced together, creating a wedging action that secures both the projecting edge and the splash guard. This dynamic movement allows the system to adapt to variations in the mounting surface while ensuring secure attachment.
3Ease of operation
If specialized mounting structures with flanged lips are used, then easy mounting with threaded fasteners is achieved, but vehicle design flexibility is reduced to accommodate regional standards
Solution Approach 1:
The clip assembly is designed as a universal mounting solution that can attach to various types of vehicle panels, including those with projecting edges, flanged lips, or rolled edges. By making the mounting system multi-functional, vehicles can maintain their design flexibility and comply with different regional standards without requiring specialized mounting structures, as the clip assembly adapts to the existing panel geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment clip assembly for securing a splash guard to an edge of a vehicle panel. The attachment clip assembly includes inner and outer clips and a threaded fastener. The inner clip includes wedging and gripping arms and the outer clip includes wedging and support arms, the inner clip fitting in nested relationship in the outer clip. The threaded fastener extends through an opening of the inner clip and a slotted opening of the outer clip. The wedging arm of the outer clip includes spaced apart shoulders overlying respective outer edges of the wedging arm of the inner clip such that, upon tightening the threaded fastener, the wedging arm of the inner clip slides along the wedging arm of the outer clip in a direction toward a central portion of the outer clip thereby moving the inner clip gripping arm toward the outer clip support arm.