Vehicle Structural Clip With Insertion Element For Anti-Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for reinforcing, sealing, or insulating structural elements in vehicles face challenges with pre-fixing, particularly when subjected to rotational forces, leading to potential loosening and instability, especially in large and heavy devices with single clip fixation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a slide-in element that restricts the freedom of movement of elastic wings in the clip, providing additional stabilization without the need for additional clips or welding, and allowing for secure anchoring through form or frictional locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single clip is used for pre-fixing the device in the structural element, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of pre-fixation deteriorates when rotational forces act on the device
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion element is nested within the clip structure, specifically positioned in the space between the base and the elastic wings. This nested configuration allows the insertion element to restrict the range of movement of the elastic wings without requiring additional separate fixation elements, thereby maintaining device simplicity while improving pre-fixation reliability under rotational forces
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion element acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the clip and the carrier. By being inserted into the space between the base and elastic wings of the clip, it provides additional stabilization and prevents rotational movement, enhancing the reliability of the single-clip fixation system without adding complex external structures
2Reliability
If additional clips or welding elements are added to prevent rotational movement, then the reliability of pre-fixation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion element merges the functions of rotational prevention and structural support within the existing single-clip configuration. By integrating the anti-rotation mechanism into the space between the base and elastic wings of the existing clip, the invention combines multiple functions without requiring additional separate clips or welding elements, thus improving reliability while maintaining simplicity
3Ease of operation
If the elastic wings are allowed full range of movement, then the ease of insertion is improved, but the stability of pre-fixation deteriorates when rotational forces are applied
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion element provides dynamic restriction to the elastic wings' movement. It allows sufficient movement for easy insertion while simultaneously preventing excessive rotational movement that would compromise stability. This dynamic balance is achieved by the insertion element's positioning in the space between the base and elastic wings, creating a controlled range of motion that satisfies both insertion ease and pre-fixation stability requirements
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
This solution enhances pre-fixing stability, preventing twisting or shifting, and ensures reliable attachment until adhesive bonding, simplifying logistics and handling while eliminating the need for extra fixation elements.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive for bonding the carrier in the structural element
Implementation Method 2
the expandable material 13 is typically expanded by the application of heat, whereby the expanded material 13' closes the gap between the device 16 and the structural element 12, 14
Implementation Method 3
the clip comprising a base and two elastic wings arranged on the base
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 4a~4e
AI summary
A device (16) for reinforcing, sealing, or insulating a structural element (12, 14) in a motor vehicle comprises a carrier (11) with a clip (5) for pre-fixing the device in the structural element. The clip comprises a base (7) and two elastic wings (6.1, 6.2) arranged on the base. The device further comprises an adhesive (13) for bonding the carrier to the structural element. The device also comprises an insertion element (3) which can be inserted into a space between the base (7) and the wings (6.1, 6.2) of the clip when the device is pre-fixed to the structural element by the clip, such that the elastic wings (6.1, 6.2) are restricted in their range of movement.