Spring Clip Geometry for Universal T-Bolt Pre-Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring clips for pre-assembling T-bolts to structural members with elongate through holes require precise matching of clip and T-bolt dimensions, limiting their universal usability and ease of installation.
Innovation Solution
A spring clip design featuring an elongate spring leaf with connection arms and support wings, allowing the clip to be easily inserted into an elongate through hole, deform to tension when the T-bolt is inserted, and then bias the T-bolt head against the wall, preventing it from falling into the hollow profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the spring clip is designed with a specific shape and size to match a T-bolt head, then proper engagement and cooperation between the clip and T-bolt head is ensured, but the universality of the clip is limited and it can only work with closely matched T-bolt dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by designing the spring clip with a curved spring leaf having a convex side that can deform to accommodate T-bolt heads within a range of dimensions. The spring leaf's curvature and flexibility allow it to adapt to variations in T-bolt head size and shape, enabling the same clip design to work with multiple T-bolt specifications rather than requiring precise matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by creating a spring clip design that can cooperate with T-bolt heads across a range of dimensions. The support wings extend in a common plane remote from the spring leaf, and the curved spring leaf with convex side facing the support wings allows the clip to function with various T-bolt head sizes and shapes, making it a multi-functional component that reduces the need for multiple specialized clip designs.
2Reliability
If the spring clip requires precise matching of dimensions with the T-bolt head, then proper engagement is achieved, but the ease of installation is reduced and the clip becomes more difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clip uses parameter changes through its curved spring leaf that can deform during installation. The convex side of the curved spring leaf allows it to flex and adapt to T-bolt heads within a range of dimensions, eliminating the need for precise pre-matching and simplifying the installation process while maintaining reliable engagement.
3Ease of manufacture
If the spring leaf is made straight and flat, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the ability to induce biasing spring action when T-bolt head is inserted is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by designing the spring leaf as curved with a convex side facing towards the common plane of the support wings. This curved configuration is essential for inducing the biasing spring action when the T-bolt head is inserted, as the convex side deforms under the head's pressure, creating the necessary elastic force to hold the T-bolt in place.
4Volume of moving object
If the support wings are positioned close to the spring leaf, then the structure is more compact, but the support wings cannot rest flat against the outer surface while the spring leaf is inserted into the hole
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by positioning the support wings in a common plane remote from the spring leaf. This spatial separation allows the support wings to extend beyond the end edges of the elongate hole and rest flat against the outer surface, while the spring leaf is inserted into the hole. The connection arms bridge this distance, creating a functional separation that facilitates proper installation and operation.
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 spring clip provides a universal and easy-to-install solution for mounting T-bolts, allowing for a range of T-bolt dimensions and preventing the T-bolt from falling into the hollow profile, thus enhancing usability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The spring leaf is curved having a convex side facing towards the common plane of the support wings. In a mounted state of the spring clip the convex side of the spring leaf is thus facing the hole. A T-bolt head that is inserted through the hole is pushed against the convex side of the spring leaf which is deformed such that a biasing spring action is induced.
Data Source
AI summary
A spring clip adapted to be arranged in an elongate through hole in a wall of a structural member for pre-assembling a T-bolt and the structural member. The spring clip has an elongate spring leaf and at each end of the spring leaf a connection arm. Each connection arm has a proximal end that is connected to the spring leaf and a distal end. At the distal end a support wing is connected to the connection arm.