Two-Stage Sun Visor Mounting Clip Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sun visor mounting systems for motor vehicles are complex and time-consuming to install, often requiring assembly workers to manually insert clips, screws, or bolts, and it is difficult to ensure proper alignment due to twisting or overstroking during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system featuring a base with a hook-shaped engagement feature and a clip with flexible tab members that engage with the vehicle's body member, along with a cap that secures the tab members in place, providing a simplified two-point attachment mechanism that reduces assembly time and ensures secure installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mounting systems with clips, screws, and bolts are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but assembly time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated clip assembly that includes both the mounting clip and retention tabs as one piece. This eliminates the need for separate screws, bolts, and clips, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining secure attachment through the integrated structure that engages with the body member opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip assembly is pre-formed with specific geometric features including the hooked end for initial engagement and retention tabs for subsequent securing. This preliminary configuration allows the assembly to be installed as a single unit without requiring multiple separate fastening operations, thus reducing assembly time while ensuring reliable attachment.
2Reliability
If multiple fasteners are used to ensure secure mounting, then attachment reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fastening components into a single integrated clip assembly that performs multiple functions: the hooked end engages with the body member opening, the retention tabs secure the assembly, and the geometric features provide alignment. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining attachment reliability through the coordinated design of all features within one component.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides initial engagement through the hooked end, maintains positioning through the geometric features, and secures the mounting through the retention tabs. This multi-functionality within a single component reduces the number of parts needed while ensuring reliable attachment.
3Reliability
If manual insertion of multiple fasteners is required, then secure engagement is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clip assembly is pre-configured with the hooked end, retention tabs, and geometric features in their final operational positions. This preliminary action allows the entire assembly to be installed in one motion without requiring manual insertion and adjustment of multiple separate fasteners, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining secure engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric features of the clip assembly are designed to self-align with the body member opening during installation. The hooked end automatically engages with the opening, and the retention tabs naturally secure themselves in position, eliminating the need for manual alignment and adjustment operations.
4Manufacturing precision
If traditional fastening methods are used, then proper alignment can be achieved, but assembly time and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clip assembly is pre-formed with geometric features that are precisely positioned to ensure proper alignment with the body member opening. This preliminary precision in manufacturing the integrated assembly eliminates the need for time-consuming alignment adjustments during installation, thereby achieving manufacturing precision without increasing assembly time.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining all alignment and securing features into a single integrated clip assembly, the patent ensures that proper alignment is built into the structure itself. The geometric features and hooked end are positioned relative to each other to automatically achieve correct alignment during installation, eliminating the need for separate alignment 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 system significantly reduces assembly time and ensures proper alignment and secure attachment of the sun visor to the vehicle, minimizing the risk of accidental removal and simplifying the installation process.
Implementation Method 1
first and second flexible tab members extending from the top portion of the clip biased outwardly between the first and second pairs of legs into engagement with the inner edge of the body member
Implementation Method 2
the plunger abutting the flexible tab members, thereby maintaining the flexible tab members in engagement with the body member
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system mounts an accessory to a body member of a vehicle. The body member defines an opening and includes a base inserted into the opening. The mounting system includes a hook-shaped first engagement feature engaging the body member and a base aperture. A clip is disposed within the base aperture and the body member defines a second engagement feature. The clip includes two pairs of legs connected at a top portion of the clip, and two flexible tab members extending from the top portion of the clip biased outwardly between the legs into engagement with the inner edge of the body member. A cap includes a cap base and a plunger extending from a central portion of a first side of the cap base. The plunger abuts the flexible tab members, maintaining the flexible tab members in engagement with the body member.