Three-Axis Clip Assembly for Vehicle Component Securement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 'third hand' solutions for vehicle assembly and disassembly only provide securement along two axes, limiting the removal of components like the knee airbag module, which requires disassembly of surrounding structures, increasing service time.
Innovation Solution
A clip assembly that includes a clip structure with barbed ends and a corresponding receptacle structure, allowing securement along three orthogonal axes, with the option to apply a high force to disengage the component along one axis, preventing interference from surrounding structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional 'third hand' solution with hanger loop and retention tab is used, then the component is held in place during assembly, but the component can only be secured along two axes with limited securement along the third axis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-axis securement system (conventional hanger loop and retention tab) to a three-axis securement system by adding the clip structure with locking arms that engage perpendicular locking chambers. This dimensional addition provides securement along the third axis (vertical axis perpendicular to the component surface), preventing unwanted movement while maintaining ease of installation and removal.
2Ease of operation
If the knee airbag module is removed along the open axis of conventional 'third hand' solution, then the component can be disassembled, but surrounding structures like the instrument panel must be removed first
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the securement function from the surrounding structure (instrument panel) and integrates it into the clip structure itself. The locking arms with barbed end structures engage with locking chambers formed in the instrument panel, allowing the airbag module to be secured and removed independently without requiring removal of the instrument panel, thus eliminating the 15-20 minute service time penalty.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the clip structure with locking arms is engaged with the receptacle structure, then the component is secured along three axes, but a sufficiently high force is required to disengage the clip structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic characteristics through the resilient locking arms that can deflect under applied force. The barbed end structures engage with the locking chambers to provide strong securement during normal operation, but when sufficient force is applied along the engagement axis, the locking arms deflect to allow disengagement. This dynamic behavior provides both strong holding capability and controlled release capability.
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
Enables efficient assembly and disassembly of components without disturbing surrounding structures, reducing service time by providing securement along three axes while allowing selective disengagement along one axis.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more locking arms are deflected slightly and the barbed end structure(s) interact with the one or more locking chambers
Data Source
AI summary
A clip assembly for holding a component during a vehicle assembly/disassembly process. This clip assembly includes a clip structure coupled to one of a component and an associated structure of a vehicle and a corresponding receptacle structure manufactured into the other of the component and the associated structure of the vehicle. When the clip structure is engaged with the corresponding receptacle structure, the clip assembly holds the component with respect to the associated structure along three (orthogonal) axes, preventing translation of the component with respect to the associated structure in one or both directions along each axis. Along one of the axes, the engagement of the clip structure with the corresponding receptacle structure can be overcome by the application of a sufficiently high force to the component, thereby disengaging the clip structure from the corresponding receptacle structure and the component from the associated structure.