Spring Clip Retention for Cylindrical Components in Guided Munitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting systems for cylindrical components in guided munitions and other platforms face challenges with adhesives causing complexity and potential chemical interference, and mechanical fasteners increasing cost and complexity, while lacking automation-friendly solutions.
Innovation Solution
A spring clip retention system with a captive feature and spring clip that uses a press-fit mechanism, featuring opposing retainer arms and a base portion that deflects to secure cylindrical components without adhesives or fasteners, allowing for easy removal and repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesives are used to bond cylindrical components, then bonding strength is improved, but assembly complexity and curing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding system (adhesives requiring surface cleaning and curing) with a mechanical retention system using spring clips that provide immediate retention without chemical processes, thereby reducing assembly complexity and curing time while maintaining bonding strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the cylindrical component from the adhesive bonding process and introduces a spring clip retention mechanism that mechanically secures the component, eliminating the need for adhesive application and curing steps
2Strength
If adhesives are used to bond cylindrical components, then bonding strength is improved, but harmful chemical outgassing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical adhesive system with a mechanical spring clip retention system, eliminating the source of harmful chemical outgassing while maintaining secure bonding through mechanical clamping force
3Reliability
If spring clips are mechanically fastened with fasteners, then retention reliability is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spring clip and fastener functions into a single integrated spring clip component that provides both retention and secure mounting without requiring separate fasteners, thereby reducing device complexity and part count while maintaining retention reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clip is designed to be self-retaining through its resilient nature, where the clip's own elasticity provides the retention force and the mounting feature's geometry provides the anchoring mechanism, eliminating the need for additional fastening hardware
4Reliability
If threaded fasteners are used to secure spring clips, then retention reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spring clip and fastener functions into a single component, and the mounting feature is designed with a simple recess geometry that requires no threaded hole formation, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining retention reliability through the spring mechanism
5Reliability
If mechanical fastening of spring clips is used, then retention reliability is improved, but automation compatibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clip is designed to be self-installing through its resilient nature, where the clip automatically engages with the mounting feature's recess and the cylindrical component's geometry provides self-alignment, enabling automated assembly without complex fastening operations
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clip's dynamic resilient properties allow it to deform during automated insertion and then spring back to provide secure retention, making the assembly process compatible with automation while maintaining reliability through the elastic recovery mechanism
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
The system provides a secure, lightweight, and cost-effective means to retain cylindrical components, reducing assembly complexity and human touch requirements, while enabling easy repositioning and integration into various platforms like guided munitions and motor vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The spring clip deflects outward and increases in width when the generally cylindrical component is inserted between the opposing retainer arm
Implementation Method 2
The base portion the base portion abutting the undersides of the opposing ledges when the spring clip is deflected outward by insertion of the generally cylindrical component to prevent disengagement of the base portion from the captive feature
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a spring clip retention system are provided for securing a generally cylindrical component, as are embodiments of a guided munition including a spring clip retention system. In one embodiment, the spring clip retention system includes a captive feature and a spring clip. The captive feature includes opposing ledges and a channel formed beneath and partially enclosed by the opposing ledges. The spring clip includes opposing retainer arms and a base portion, which extends between the opposing retainer arms and which is received within the channel. The spring clip deflects outward when the component is inserted between the opposing retainer arms. The base portion abuts the undersides of the opposing ledges when the spring clip is deflected outward by insertion of the component to prevent disengagement of the base portion from the captive feature in a direction substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the channel.