Multi-component clamp

Abstract

The present subject matter relates to a multi-component clip (100). The multi-component clip (100) includes a body (102), wherein the body (102) includes a side wall (104), a top wall (106), and a bottom wall (108). The multi-component clip (100) includes two or more flexible retainers (110). The flexible retainers (110) include a receptacle (112). The receptacle (112) includes two ends: a first end (114) and a second end (116). The first end (114) of the receptacle (112) is attached to the body (102) of the multi-component clip (100). The second end (116) of the receptacle (112) remains free to provide flexibility to accommodate components of various sizes.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] A clamp is a fastening device used to hold or secure objects. As the name suggests, a multi-part clamp is a type of clamp used to secure multiple parts (such as wires and brake lines). Typically, a multi-part clamp includes holders, each with a receiving base configured to receive and hold the part to be secured. Attached Figure Description

[0002] A detailed description is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the description and drawings are merely examples of the subject matter and do not necessarily represent the subject matter itself.

[0003] Figure 1A A perspective view of a multi-part fixture, as an example based on this topic, is shown;

[0004] Figure 1B A cross-sectional view of a multi-part fixture based on an example from this topic is shown;

[0005] Figure 1C A rear view of a multi-part fixture based on an example from this topic is shown;

[0006] Figure 1D A top view of a multi-part fixture based on an example from this topic is shown;

[0007] Figure 2A A perspective view of a multi-part fixture, another example based on this topic, is shown;

[0008] Figure 2B The receiving seat and cutting section features for a multi-part fixture are shown as another example according to this topic.

[0009] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote similar parts, but may also denote different parts. These drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some parts may be enlarged to more clearly illustrate the examples shown. Furthermore, the drawings provide examples and / or implementations consistent with the specification; however, the specification is not limited to the examples and / or implementations provided in the drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0010] Multi-part clamps are commonly used to hold multiple components together and have a variety of applications. For example, in automotive applications, multi-part clamps can be used to hold multiple wires in a wiring harness for securing a circuit, or multiple brake lines in a vehicle's braking system for securing a brake fluid circuit. In all such applications, the components to be held are typically similar in shape and size. In the examples above, the brake lines or wires have the same shape and size. Some multi-part clamps can be designed to hold components of different sizes. In such cases, each receiver of the multi-part clamp can be designed for a component of a specific shape and size. For example, one receiver can be designed to hold a large-diameter wire, while another receiver can be designed to hold a smaller-diameter wire, and one receiver cannot be used in place of another. In other words, the receivers are typically designed with the component to be held in them properly in mind. If a receiver is used for a component of a different size, the multi-part clamp may not be able to adequately accommodate that component. For example, if the component is smaller than the receiver, either the holding force may be insufficient, or the insertion and / or extraction forces may be inappropriate. For example, the insertion force used to insert a component into the receiver and / or the pull-out force used to remove a component from the receiver may be too high, causing the multi-component fixture to perform poorly during assembly. In some cases, the multi-component structure may even be damaged due to the insertion or removal of components, due to mismatch. In some other cases, the thrust required to slide the different components in the receiver may be insufficient, or may be too high or too low, resulting in greater wear on the components and the multi-component fixture, sometimes even causing damage to one or both.

[0011] This article describes an example of a multi-part fixture. The multi-part fixture has a body and one or more flexible holders. Each flexible holder has a receiving seat configured to receive or accommodate a component (e.g., a cable or pipe). According to one aspect, the multi-part fixture can accommodate multiple components of different sizes in the same receiving seat. In other words, the receiving seat of the multi-part fixture is configured to accommodate components of different sizes while meeting various assembly requirements, such as insertion force, pull-out force, and thrust. Furthermore, the multi-part fixture may have an anchoring clamp that can be used to attach the multi-part fixture to the underside of a parent component, such as a vehicle body or dashboard.

[0012] According to one example, a multi-part fixture may include a body and a flexible holder with a receiving seat. The body has sidewalls, a bottom wall, and a top wall, and the flexible holder is supported by the body. According to one aspect, as an example, the receiving seat of the flexible holder may be formed with a recessed shape and may have a first end and a second end. The first end of the receiving seat is attached to the body to obtain support therefrom, for example, to be able to hold a component. In another aspect, the second end of the receiving seat is free, and therefore flexible, to accommodate components of different sizes. The connection of the receiving seat to the body at one end (e.g., at the sidewall of the body) provides sufficient holding strength for the receiving seat, while the cantilevered second end provides the receiving seat with the ability to flex. For example, a receiving seat formed in a generally C-shape has one end of the "C" shape connected to the body, and the other end of the "C" shape is able to flex to change the distance between the two ends of the receiving seat, thereby allowing components of different sizes to be accommodated therein.

[0013] Furthermore, this design of the receiver results in a very low insertion force required to insert the component into the flexible holder. Additionally, considering the design and materials of multi-component clamps, the receiver is designed so that the sliding force required to move different components is within an appropriate range, allowing for slight movement of the components, which prevents damage to the components and the receiver. At the same time, the sliding force is not so low that the component would inadvertently slide within the receiver, otherwise it would be damaged. In one example, the flexible holder could be designed such that approximately 5 Newtons of thrust is required to slide the component within the receiver.

[0014] Furthermore, according to the example, the portion between the first and second ends of the receiver can be supported by a floating member. In the example, the floating member can be coupled between the two side walls of the body and can flex along its length, while the bottom portion of the receiver is connected to and supported by the floating member. This design (i.e., the combination of the flexure of the receiver and the flexure of the supporting floating member) can further aid in the design of multi-part fixtures to adjust the insertion force requirements and the strength of the multi-part fixture. Therefore, when a part is inserted into the receiver, the floating member allows the receiver to move in a balanced manner in the direction of part insertion, while also providing sufficient reaction force. Thus, the floating member can adjust the insertion force required to insert the part into the receiver so that it is neither too high nor too low.

[0015] In addition to the flexible retainer, the multi-part jig may include a fixed retainer adjacent to the flexible retainer, and in the example, the fixed retainer may cooperate with the flexible retainer to hold the parts. Therefore, for each flexible retainer, the multi-part jig may include a fixed retainer. The fixed retainer includes a fixed receiving seat with two ends, both ends of which are attached to the body of the multi-part jig, thereby making the fixed retainer less flexible than the flexible retainer. According to one aspect, providing a fixed retainer can further help adjust the insertion force, extraction force, and thrust of the multi-part jig so that these forces are within an appropriate operating range.

[0016] In the example, the flexible holder can be designed such that a component with a diameter of at least approximately 4.76 mm and at most approximately 6.35 mm can be accommodated in the receiving seat. Furthermore, in a flexible holder designed to accommodate a component of the aforementioned size, the flexible holder can be designed to have an insertion force of approximately less than 70 Newtons for inserting the component. Furthermore, in a flexible holder designed to accommodate a component of the aforementioned size, the flexible holder can be designed to require a separation force of approximately 200 Newtons to extract the component from the multi-component clamp.

[0017] Furthermore, the multi-part fixture includes one or more flexible retainer holders and one or more fixed retainer holders. The flexible retainer holders can be coupled to the body of the multi-part fixture and are positioned adjacent to the flexible retainer. Similarly, the fixed retainer holders can be coupled to the body of the multi-part fixture and are positioned adjacent to the fixed retainer. The flexible and fixed retainer holders securely hold the parts in their respective receiving seats. Therefore, the flexible and fixed retainer holders also enhance the performance of the multi-part fixture, making it difficult for parts to accidentally detach from the multi-part fixture.

[0018] The subject matter is further described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals are used in these drawings and the following description to denote the same or similar parts. It should be noted that these descriptions and drawings only illustrate the principles of the subject matter. Therefore, it should be understood that various arrangements are contemplated that, although not expressly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the subject matter. Furthermore, all statements and specific examples of the principles, aspects, and examples of the subject matter cited herein are intended to cover their equivalents.

[0019] Figure 1A A perspective view of a multi-part fixture 100, an example based on this topic, is shown. Figure 1B A cross-sectional view of the multi-part fixture is shown. Figure 1C The rear view of the multi-part fixture is shown. Figure 1DA top view of the multi-part fixture is shown. The multi-part fixture 100 has a body 102, which further includes a set of sidewalls 104, a top wall 106, and a bottom wall 108. The multi-part fixture 100 further includes a flexible retainer 110 having a receiving seat 112 with a first end 114 and a second end 116. The first end 114 of the receiving seat 112 is attached to the body 102 of the multi-part fixture 100, while the second end 116 of the receiving seat 112 remains free. In other words, the receiving seat can be configured as a cantilever beam. Therefore, when a part is to be received in the receiving seat 112, the second end 116 of the receiving seat 112 flexes in an outward direction to provide flexibility to the receiving seat 112, allowing parts of various sizes to be accommodated in the multi-part fixture 100. Thus, the increased flexibility of the receiving seat 112 significantly reduces the insertion force required to insert the part into the flexible retainer 110. Furthermore, due to the increased flexibility, the receiver 112 can easily accommodate different components of different sizes, while the thrust required to move the different components is significantly reduced. Accordingly, the structure of the multi-component clamp 100 allows different components to be inserted into the receiver 112 by applying a small force, and the inserted components can slide along the receiver 112 by applying a small thrust.

[0020] The multi-part fixture 100 further includes a floating member 118 that supports a portion of the receiving seat 112 between a first end 114 and a second end 116. The floating member 118 is designed such that it can flex along its length. In another aspect of this subject matter, a bottom portion of the receiving seat 112 is connected to the floating member 118. In one example, the floating member 118 may be connected to a side wall 104 of the body 102 of the multi-part fixture 100. Therefore, when a part is inserted into the receiving seat 112, the floating member 118 allows the receiving seat 112 to move in the direction of part insertion. Thus, the floating member 118 provides increased flexibility to the receiving seat 112, and as a result, reduces the force required to insert the part into the receiving seat 112.

[0021] The multi-part jig 100 includes an anchoring clamp 120 for securing the multi-part jig 100 to a parent component (not shown). Further, the multi-part jig 100 includes one or more flexible retainer holders 122 disposed adjacent to a first end 114 and a second end 116 of a receiving seat 112. The flexible retainer holders 122 securely hold the component to be received in the receiving seat 112. The flexible retainer holders 122 enhance the performance of the multi-part jig 100 by increasing the force (i.e., separation force) required to extract the component from the multi-part jig 100.

[0022] The multi-part clamp 100 further includes a retainer 124 disposed adjacent to the flexible retainer 110. In one example, the retainer 124 is positioned parallel to the flexible retainer 110. The retainer 124 further includes a retaining seat 126 having a first end 128 and a second end 130, both of which are attached to the body 102. As the name suggests, both ends of the retaining seat 126, namely the first end 128 and the second end 130, are secured to the body 102 such that ends 128 and 130 are immovable. The body 102 of the multi-part clamp 100 further includes one or more retainer retainers 132 adjacent to the first end 128 and the second end 130 of the retaining seat 126.

[0023] In one example, the contact point between the first end 114 of the receiver 112 and the body 102 may further include a cut-off feature (not shown). The cut-off feature enhances the flexibility of the receiver 112, thereby reducing the insertion force and thrust.

[0024] Figure 2A A perspective view of a multi-part fixture 100 according to another example of this subject matter is shown. The multi-part fixture 100 includes a body 102. The body 102 of the multi-part fixture 100 includes a set of sidewalls 104, a top wall 106, and a bottom wall 108. The multi-part fixture 100 further includes a flexible retainer 110 having a receiving seat 112. The receiving seat has a first end 114 and a second end 116, wherein the first end 114 of the receiving seat 112 is attached to the body 102 of the multi-part fixture 100, while the second end 116 of the receiving seat 112 remains free.

[0025] Figure 2BA receiving seat and cut-off feature of a multi-part fixture are shown. A cut-off feature 202 is included at the contact point between the first end 114 of the receiving seat 112 and the body 102. When the receiving seat 112 receives a part, the cut-off feature 202 allows the receiving seat 112 to flex in the direction of part insertion and in the outward direction at the second end 116 of the receiving seat 112. The cut-off feature 202 thus increases the flexibility of the receiving seat 112, resulting in lower insertion and thrust forces. In one example, the cut-off feature is circular or C-shaped. The receiving seat 112 can therefore accommodate parts of various sizes. Therefore, due to the increased flexibility of the receiving seat 112, the insertion force required to insert a part into the flexible holder 110 is significantly reduced. Furthermore, due to the increased flexibility, the receiving seat 112 can easily accommodate different parts of different sizes, and the thrust required to move different parts along the receiving seat is significantly reduced. Accordingly, the structure of the multi-part clamp 100 allows different parts to be inserted into the receiver 112 by applying a small force, and the inserted parts can slide along the receiver 112 by applying a small thrust.

[0026] The multi-part clamp 100 may further include anchoring clamps (not shown) for securing the multi-part clamp 100 to a parent component (not shown). Furthermore, the multi-part clamp 100 may include one or more flexible retainer retainers 122 disposed adjacent to the second end 116 of the receiving seat 112. The flexible retainer retainers 122 securely hold the component to be received in the receiving seat 112 and enhance the performance of the multi-part clamp 100 by increasing the force required to extract the component from the multi-part clamp 100 (i.e., the separation force).

[0027] The multi-part clamp 100 further includes a retainer 124 disposed adjacent to the flexible retainer 110. In one example, the retainer 124 is positioned parallel to the flexible retainer 110. The retainer 124 has a retaining seat 126 having a first end 128 and a second end 130, both of which are attached to the body 102. As the name suggests, both ends of the retaining seat 126, namely the first end 128 and the second end 130, are secured to the body 102 such that ends 128 and 130 are immovable. The body 102 of the multi-part clamp 100 further includes one or more retainer retainers 132 adjacent to the first end 128 and the second end 130 of the retaining seat 126.

[0028] In one aspect of this subject matter, the receiver 112 can accommodate components with a diameter of at least 4.76 mm and at most 6.35 mm.

[0029] In one aspect of the invention, the multi-part clamp is designed such that a separation force of approximately 200 Newtons is required to extract the part from the multi-part clamp 100. Furthermore, the multi-part clamp is designed such that an insertion force of less than approximately 70 Newtons is required to receive the part into the receiving seat 112.

[0030] In one aspect of the invention, the flexible retainer is designed such that approximately 5 Newtons of thrust is required to slide the component in the receiving seat 112.

Claims

1. A multi-part fixture (100), comprising: The body (102) includes parallel first and second sidewalls (104), a top wall (106), and a bottom wall (108), and further includes: A flexible retainer (110) is arranged along the front side of the body, the flexible retainer defining a flexible receiving seat (112) located between a first end (114) and a second end (116) of the flexible retainer, the flexible receiving seat including opposing first and second surfaces. A retainer is arranged along the rear side of the body, the retainer being positioned adjacent to the flexible retainer between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, the retainer defining a retaining seat having opposing ends, wherein each of the ends extends from the first sidewall and the second sidewall. A floating member extends from the second surface of the flexible receiver and is located between the first and second sidewalls. The floating member is perpendicularly spaced from the bottom wall by a gap along the length of the first and second sidewalls. The floating member is not directly connected to the bottom wall and is configured to allow the flexible receiver to move toward and away from the top wall. The floating component includes at least two inflection points.

2. The multi-component fixture (100) as described in claim 1, wherein, The floating component is capable of flexing along its length.

3. The multi-component fixture (100) as described in claim 1, wherein, The bottom of the flexible receiving seat (112) is connected to the floating member (118).

4. The multi-component clamp (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an anchoring clamp (120) extending from the top wall to mount the multi-component clamp (100) onto the parent component.

5. The multi-component clamp (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a first flexible retainer retainer (122) adjacent to the first end (114) of the flexible receiver (112) and a second flexible retainer retainer adjacent to the second end (116) of the flexible receiver (112).

6. The multi-component fixture (100) as described in claim 1, wherein, The floating component includes at least three inflection points.

7. The multi-component fixture (100) as described in claim 1, wherein, The flexible retainer (110) is configured to retain a first component with a first diameter of at least 4.76 mm, and wherein the fixed retainer (124) is configured to retain a second component with a second diameter of at most 6.35 mm.

8. The multi-component fixture (100) as described in claim 5, wherein, The body (102) includes a first fixed retainer retainer (132) adjacent to the first flexible retainer retainer.

9. The multi-component fixture (100) as described in claim 1, wherein, The multi-part clamp (100) is configured to have a separation force of 200 Newtons or greater and an insertion force of 70 Newtons or less.

10. The multi-component fixture (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The flexible retainer (110) is configured to have a thrust of 5 Newtons or greater.

11. A multi-part fixture, comprising: The body includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a top wall, and a bottom wall, and further includes: A flexible retainer is arranged along the front side of the body, the flexible retainer defining a flexible receiving seat located between a first end and a second end of the flexible retainer, the flexible receiving seat including opposing first and second surfaces; A retainer is arranged along the rear side of the body, the retainer being configured adjacent to the flexible retainer between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, the retainer defining a retaining seat having opposing ends, wherein each of the ends extends from the first sidewall and the second sidewall; A floating member extending from the second surface and located between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, wherein the floating member is disposed above the bottom wall and spaced apart from the bottom wall by a gap, so that the floating member does not directly contact the bottom wall. An anchoring clamp that extends outward from the top wall in a direction opposite to the bottom wall.

12. The multi-component clamp as described in claim 11, in, The flexible receiver is configured to receive components of various sizes that are inserted in a direction from the bottom wall toward the top wall.

13. The multi-component fixture as described in claim 12, wherein, The flexible receiver is configured to move toward and away from the top wall.

14. The multi-component fixture as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The fixed receiver base is immovable relative to the flexible receiver base.

15. A multi-part fixture, comprising: The body includes parallel first and second sidewalls, a top wall, and a bottom wall, and further includes: A plurality of flexible retainer holders, at least one of which extends from an angle defined by at least one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall toward the top wall; A flexible retainer is arranged along the front side of the body, the flexible retainer defining a first receiving seat located between a first end and a second end of the flexible retainer, the first receiving seat having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a thickness being defined between the first surface and the second surface; A floating member extending from the second surface and located between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, the floating member being perpendicularly spaced from the bottom wall by a gap along the length of the first sidewall and the second sidewall; A retainer arranged along the rear side of the body defines a second receiving seat having opposing ends, wherein each of the ends extends from the first sidewall and the second sidewall; and Multiple fixed holders are provided, wherein the first receiving seat of the flexible holder and the second receiving seat of the fixed holder are configured together as receiving components. The plurality of flexible retainers and the plurality of fixed retainers are laterally spaced apart by a gap. Wherein, the first end of the first receiving seat is attached to the body, and the second end of the first receiving seat is free, such that the first receiving seat is configured to flexibly accommodate the component, and the first receiving seat is configured to move in directions toward and away from the top wall, and The first end portion includes a cut-off feature, which has a thickness smaller than the thickness between the first surface and the second surface.

16. The multi-component clamp of claim 15, further comprising an anchoring clamp extending between the top wall and the bottom wall to mount the multi-component clamp onto the parent component. in, The anchoring clamp is disposed between the first receiving seat and the second receiving seat, and The flexible retainer is configured to hold a first component having a first diameter of at least 4.76 mm, and the fixed retainer is configured to hold a second component having a second diameter of at most 6.35 mm.

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