Tapered Clip Design for Wide Clamp Range and Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clips have a narrow clamp range, which limits their ability to securely connect components while maintaining retention strength, as a large clamp angle reduces retention and a small angle makes engagement difficult.
Innovation Solution
A tapered clip design with a clip surface featuring a first and second clip edge forming different angles with a plane perpendicular to the engagement direction, allowing for a wider clamp range and point contact engagement, thereby maintaining retention strength across various positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a large clip clamp angle is used, then the clip clamp width is increased, but the clamp retention is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional parallel clip surface to a tapered clip surface that introduces a new dimensional characteristic (taper angle). This dimensional change allows the clip to engage components at multiple positions along the tapered surface, effectively increasing the clamp width while maintaining retention through the geometric progression of contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the clip surface from parallel to tapered, introducing a specific taper angle range (15-45 degrees). This parameter change fundamentally alters how the clip interacts with components, enabling both wider clamp range and maintained retention through the controlled angular geometry.
2Strength
If a small clip clamp angle is used, then the clamp retention is maintained, but it becomes difficult for a component to be engaged with the connection component
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing the tapered dimension to the clip surface, the patent creates a geometric progression of contact points that facilitates easier engagement. The taper angle provides a mechanical advantage that guides components onto the clip surface, reducing engagement difficulty while preserving retention through the angled geometry.
3Device complexity
If a conventional parallel clip surface is used, then the structure is simple, but the clamp range is narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the taper angle dimension to the traditionally parallel clip surface, transforming it from a two-dimensional flat surface to a three-dimensional tapered surface. This single dimensional addition significantly expands the clamp range while keeping the overall clip structure relatively simple and manufacturable.
Data Source
AI summary
A tapered clip comprises a base; and a clip body connected to the base and moveable relative to the base. The clip body includes a clipping member, and the clipping member includes a clip surface having a first clip edge and a second clip edge next to the first clip edge. The first clip edge forms a first angle with a plane that is perpendicular to a clip engagement direction and the second clip edge forms a second angle with the plane.