Rotatable Torsion Clip Latch for Snap-In Substrate Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicle production, the assembly of fixations requiring nuts and bolts, along with the use of special tools, is time-consuming and inefficient, leading to increased operational costs and reduced production throughput. Additionally, one-way fixings are undesirable as they cannot be reused, and removable fixings may become difficult to remove due to corrosion or deformation.
Innovation Solution
A torsion clip with a latch that is rotatable between engaged and disengaged positions, biased towards the engaged position, featuring four gripping surfaces arranged in two opposing pairs perpendicular to each other, and a stop to provide a pinching grip on substrates. The torsion clip can be snap-fitted into place without the need for tools, allowing for easy installation and potential reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional nuts and bolts with special tools are used for fixation assembly, then secure fastening is achieved, but assembly time increases and production throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from complex multi-component assemblies (nuts, bolts, tools) and consolidates it into a single integrated torsion clip component that achieves secure fastening through its own structural mechanics, eliminating the need for separate fastening tools and operations
Solution Approach 2:
The torsion clip is designed with segmented functional zones: gripping surfaces for substrate engagement, a latch mechanism for position control, and a stop for positioning, allowing each element to contribute to secure fastening independently while working together as a unified quick-install system
2Productivity
If one-way fixings are used to simplify assembly, then assembly time is reduced, but reusability is lost and maintenance becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The torsion clip employs a dynamic latch mechanism that can be rotated between engaged and disengaged positions, transforming a static one-way fixing into a reversible connection that maintains quick assembly while enabling removal and reuse for maintenance operations
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables recovery and reuse of the torsion clip after maintenance by allowing easy disengagement through latch rotation, contrasting with disposable one-way fixings that must be discarded after single use
3Adaptability or versatility
If removable fixings are used to enable maintenance, then reusability is achieved, but after extended use they become difficult to remove due to corrosion or deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The torsion clip's latch mechanism is designed to be operated without external tools or complex operations, allowing maintenance personnel to easily rotate the latch for disengagement even after extended service periods, maintaining ease of operation throughout the product lifecycle
4Reliability
If traditional fixations requiring tools are used, then secure fastening is achieved, but operational costs increase due to tool storage and operative movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for external tooling operations by integrating all fastening functions into the torsion clip itself, removing the requirement for tool storage areas and operative movement to and from tool storage locations during assembly operations
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 torsion clip significantly reduces assembly time by allowing for a quick 'snap-in' installation, provides strong retention forces, and is reusable without plastic deformation, thus enhancing production efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient skirt arranged to urge the substrate towards the gripping surfaces
Implementation Method 2
the latch is biased towards the engaged position
Data Source
AI summary
The application discloses a torsion clip comprising a latch biased towards an engaged position. The latch comprises four gripping surfaces arranged in two opposing pairs; the two opposing pairs arranged perpendicular to one another. The torsion clip further comprises at least one stop arranged in opposition to the gripping surfaces.