Clamp assembly with reversible attachment module
By designing a pivotable clamping assembly, the problem of needing multiple clamps to adapt to pipelines of different diameters in the prior art is solved, and the same clamping assembly can be used to adapt to fluid pipelines of different diameters, thus simplifying and increasing flexibility.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411451201.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-08-20
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-03
AI Technical Summary
In the prior art, fixing fluid conduits in vehicles requires two independently designed clamps to accommodate pipelines of different diameters, resulting in a complex and inflexible design.
A clamping assembly is designed, including a frame, a module attachment portion, and an attachment module that can be removably attached between two orientations, has a pivotable retainer portion that can move between open and closed positions, forming conduit holding channels of different diameters to accommodate fluid conduits of different diameters.
This allows the same fixture assembly to accommodate fluid pipes of different diameters, simplifying the design, increasing flexibility and adaptability, and reducing design complexity.
Smart Images
Figure CN121590501A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to clamp assemblies for fluid conduits. Background Technology
[0002] The vehicle includes fluid conduits that transport fluid throughout the vehicle to connect various components. For example, a hydraulic brake line may extend from the front to the rear of the vehicle to connect to brake calipers, thereby applying braking force to decelerate the vehicle. Furthermore, a fuel tank at the rear of the vehicle may have a fuel supply line that supplies fuel to the internal combustion engine at the front of the vehicle and receives steam from a steam return line. These lines or conduits can be secured to a part of the vehicle using clamp assemblies. Summary of the Invention
[0003] This document discloses a clamping assembly. The clamping assembly includes: a frame having a catheter attachment portion having at least one catheter retainer; a module attachment portion having at least one module retainer; and a frame attachment portion configured to attach the frame to a body. The clamping assembly further includes an attachment module removably attached to the module attachment portion between a first orientation and a second orientation opposite to the first orientation. The attachment module includes a base portion having a guide configured to removably attach to the module attachment portion on the frame in either the first or second orientation. The attachment module also includes a retainer portion pivotally connected to the base portion and movable between an open position and a closed position fixed relative to the base portion. When in the closed position, the base portion and the retainer portion at least partially define a first catheter retention channel and a second catheter retention channel.
[0004] In one aspect of this disclosure, a first catheter retention channel includes a first diameter, and a second catheter retention channel includes a second diameter different from the first diameter.
[0005] In one aspect of this disclosure, the retainer portion defines a recess configured to receive a portion of the frame attachment portion when the attachment module is in a first orientation and the retainer portion is in an open position.
[0006] In one aspect of this disclosure, the groove extends into the first conduit retention channel.
[0007] In one aspect of this disclosure, one of the base portion or the retainer portion includes a hook, and the other of the base portion or the retainer portion includes a retainer for securing the retainer portion relative to the base portion in a closed position.
[0008] In one aspect of this disclosure, at least one catheter retainer at the catheter attachment portion includes at least one brake line retainer.
[0009] In one aspect of this disclosure, at least one brake line retainer includes a pair of flexible stops.
[0010] In one aspect of this disclosure, at least one catheter retainer at the catheter attachment portion includes a pair of brake line retainers.
[0011] In one aspect of this disclosure, the attachment module includes one of a hook or a groove for engaging with the other of a hook or groove on the module attachment portion.
[0012] In one aspect of this disclosure, the module attachment portion defines a guide rail configured to be slidably received in a hook or groove within a guide on the base portion of the attachment module.
[0013] In one aspect of this disclosure, the guide rail includes a trapezoidal cross-section.
[0014] In one aspect of this disclosure, the conduit attachment portion on the frame is separated from the module attachment portion by the frame attachment portion.
[0015] This document discloses a method using a clamping assembly. The method includes: determining a desired orientation of a frame relative to an attachment module, and attaching the attachment module to the frame in the desired orientation to form a clamping assembly. The frame includes a module attachment portion having a guide rail, which is received within a groove in a base portion of the attachment module when the clamping assembly is formed. The method further includes: securing the clamping assembly relative to a vehicle body, wherein the frame includes a frame attachment portion configured to engage the vehicle body. The method further includes: securing a conduit to the clamping assembly. The frame includes at least one conduit retainer for securing a respective conduit, and the attachment module includes a first conduit holding channel configured to receive a first conduit and a second conduit holding channel configured to receive a second conduit when the retainer, pivotally attached to the base portion, is moved from an open position to a closed position.
[0016] In one aspect of this disclosure, a first catheter retention channel includes a first diameter, and a second catheter retention channel includes a second diameter different from the first diameter.
[0017] In one aspect of this disclosure, the method includes positioning a braking line in at least one conduit retainer.
[0018] In one aspect of this disclosure, the first conduit is a steam return line and the second conduit is a fuel line.
[0019] This document discloses a vehicle system. The vehicle system includes: a vehicle body supported by wheels; and a fluid conduit secured relative to the vehicle body by a clamping assembly. The clamping assembly includes: a frame having a conduit attachment portion having at least one conduit retainer; a module attachment portion having at least one module retainer; and a frame attachment portion configured to attach the frame to the body. The clamping assembly also includes an attachment module removably attachable to the module attachment portion between a first orientation and a second orientation opposite to the first orientation. The attachment module includes: a base portion having a guide configured to removably attach to the module attachment portion on the frame in either the first or second orientation. The attachment module also includes a retainer portion pivotally connected to the base portion and movable between an open position and a closed position fixed relative to the base portion. When in the closed position, the base portion and the retainer portion at least partially define a first conduit retention channel and a second conduit retention channel.
[0020] The present invention may also include the following solutions.
[0021] 1. A clamping assembly, comprising:
[0022] The framework includes:
[0023] A catheter attachment portion having at least one catheter fixator;
[0024] A module attachment portion having at least one module retainer; and
[0025] Configured to attach the frame to the frame attachment portion of the body; and
[0026] An attachment module capable of being removably attached to a module attachment portion between a first orientation and a second orientation opposite to the first orientation, wherein the attachment module includes:
[0027] Includes a base portion of a guide, the guide being configured to be removably attached to a module attachment portion of a frame in a first or second orientation; and
[0028] The retainer portion is pivotally connected to the base portion and is movable between an open position and a closed position fixed relative to the base portion, wherein, when in the closed position, the base portion and the retainer portion at least partially define a first catheter retention channel and a second catheter retention channel.
[0029] 2. The clamp assembly as described in Scheme 1, wherein the first conduit holding channel includes a first diameter and the second conduit holding channel includes a second diameter different from the first diameter.
[0030] 3. The clamp assembly as described in Scheme 1, wherein the retainer portion defines a recess configured to receive a portion of the frame attachment portion when the attachment module is in a first orientation and the retainer portion is in an open position.
[0031] 4. The clamp assembly as described in embodiment 3, wherein the groove extends into the first conduit retaining channel.
[0032] 5. The clamp assembly as described in claim 1, wherein one of the base portion or the retainer portion includes a hook, and the other of the base portion or the retainer portion includes a retainer for securing the retainer portion relative to the base portion in a closed position.
[0033] 6. The clamp assembly as described in claim 1, wherein at least one catheter retainer on the catheter attachment portion includes at least one braking line retainer.
[0034] 7. The clamping assembly as described in claim 6, wherein at least one brake line retainer includes a pair of flexible stops.
[0035] 8. The clamp assembly as described in claim 7, wherein at least one catheter retainer on the catheter attachment portion comprises a pair of braking line retainers.
[0036] 9. The clamp assembly as described in claim 1, wherein the attachment module includes one of a hook or a groove for engaging the other of the hook or groove on the attachment portion of the module.
[0037] 10. The clamp assembly of embodiment 9, wherein the module attachment portion defines a guide rail configured to be slidably received in a hook or groove within a guide on the base portion of the attachment module.
[0038] 11. The clamping assembly as described in claim 10, wherein the guide rail comprises a trapezoidal cross-section.
[0039] 12. The clamping assembly as described in Scheme 1, wherein the conduit attachment portion on the frame is separated from the module attachment portion by the frame attachment portion.
[0040] 13. A method using a clamping assembly, the method comprising:
[0041] Determine the desired orientation of the frame relative to the attached modules;
[0042] The attachment module is attached to a frame in a desired orientation to form a clamping assembly, wherein the frame includes a module attachment portion having a guide rail, which is received in a groove in a base portion of the attachment module when the clamping assembly is formed.
[0043] Relative to the vehicle body fixing clamp assembly, wherein the frame includes a frame attachment portion configured to engage the vehicle body; and
[0044] The catheter is secured to the clamp assembly, wherein the frame includes at least one catheter retainer for securing the respective catheter, and the attachment module includes a first catheter holding channel configured to receive a first catheter and a second catheter holding channel configured to receive a second catheter when the retainer, which is pivotally attached to the base portion, moves from an open position to a closed position.
[0045] 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first catheter retention channel includes a first diameter and the second catheter retention channel includes a second diameter different from the first diameter.
[0046] 15. The method of claim 14, the method comprising: positioning the braking line in at least one conduit retainer.
[0047] 16. The method of Scheme 13, wherein the first conduit is a steam return line and the second conduit is a fuel line.
[0048] 17. A vehicle system comprising:
[0049] The main body of the vehicle is supported by multiple wheels;
[0050] Multiple fluid conduits are secured relative to the vehicle body by a clamping assembly, wherein the clamping assembly includes:
[0051] The framework includes:
[0052] A catheter attachment portion having at least one catheter fixator;
[0053] A module attachment portion having at least one module retainer;
[0054] Configured to attach the frame to the frame attachment portion of the body; and
[0055] An attachment module, removably attached to a module attachment portion between a first orientation and a second orientation opposite to the first orientation, wherein the attachment module includes:
[0056] Includes a base portion of a guide, the guide being configured to be removably attached to a module attachment portion of a frame in a first or second orientation; and
[0057] The retainer portion is pivotally connected to the base portion and is movable between an open position and a closed position fixed relative to the base portion, wherein, when in the closed position, the base portion and the retainer portion at least partially define a first catheter retention channel and a second catheter retention channel.
[0058] 18. The vehicle system of claim 17, wherein the retainer portion defines a recess configured to receive a portion of the frame attachment portion when the attachment module is in a first orientation and the retainer portion is in an open position, and the recess extends into a first conduit retention channel.
[0059] 19. The vehicle system of claim 17, wherein the attachment module includes one of a hook or a groove for engaging with the other of a hook or groove on the module attachment portion.
[0060] 20. The vehicle system of claim 17, the system comprising: a brake line located in at least one conduit retainer, a vapor return line located in a first conduit retention channel, and a fuel line located in a second conduit retention channel. Attached Figure Description
[0061] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle with clamping components.
[0062] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a clamping assembly, which has an attachment module and a frame.
[0063] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the bottom perspective view of the attachment module.
[0064] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an attachment module that is attached to the frame in the first orientation, wherein the attachment module is in the open position.
[0065] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an attachment module that is attached to the frame in the first orientation, wherein the attachment module is in the closed position.
[0066] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a clamping assembly having an attachment module attached to a frame in a second orientation, wherein the attachment module is in an open position.
[0067] Figure 7 It uses a tube Figure 1 The flowchart shows an example method for the fixture component.
[0068] Some embodiments of this disclosure will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same elements or elements of the same type. Detailed Implementation
[0069] Those skilled in the art will recognize that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” and “right,” etc., are used descriptively in the accompanying drawings and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of this disclosure, which is defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the teachings herein may be described in the form of functional and / or logical block components and / or various process steps. It should be understood that these block components may include multiple hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform specific functions.
[0070] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the same numerals denote the same parts, and the same reference numerals refer to the same components. Figure 1 This is a schematic plan view illustrating the system configuration. The system can be implemented as a vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 generally includes a vehicle body 24 supported by multiple wheels 26, such as a passenger compartment. An internal combustion engine 16 receives fuel from a fuel tank 12 via a fuel line 14A. Fuel vapor can be transferred from the internal combustion engine 16 to the fuel tank 12 via a vapor return line 14B. Alternatively, the vapor return line 14B can originate from another source, such as an evaporative emission system (not shown).
[0071] The braking system 18 (such as a brake booster and / or fluid distribution module) can guide pressurized hydraulic brake fluid to a first brake caliper 22A via a first brake line 20A and to a second brake caliper 22B via a second brake line 20B. The clamp assembly 30 is secured to the vehicle body 24 to support the first brake line 20A and the second brake line 20B, in addition to supporting the fuel line 14A and the vapor return line 14B. Due to differences in vehicle design, the fuel line 14A and the vapor return line 14B may be in different lateral positions as they pass through the clamp assembly 30. Because the fuel line 14A and the vapor return line 14B may have different diameters, the clamp assembly 30 needs to be able to accommodate lines or conduits of different diameters.
[0072] like Figure 2 As shown, the clamp assembly 30 includes a frame 32 and an attachment module 34. The attachment module 34 may be oriented in a first orientation ( Figures 2 to 4 Or with a second orientation ( Figures 5 to 7The attachment module 34 is attached to the frame 32. A feature of positioning the attachment module 34 in a first or second orientation is that the clamping assembly 30 can provide such catheter attachment that typically requires two separately designed clamps.
[0073] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, frame 32 includes: a conduit attachment portion 36 having at least one conduit retainer; a module attachment portion 38 having a module retainer 40; and a frame attachment portion 42 configured to attach to frame 32 relative to vehicle body 24. In the example shown, conduit attachment portion 36 includes: a first brake line retainer 44A and a second brake line retainer 44B. Each of the brake line retainers 44A and 44B includes a pair of flexible stops 46 that deform when the conduit is pushed and expand to secure the conduit when it is in place.
[0074] In the example shown, the frame attachment portion 42 is located between the conduit attachment portion 36 and the module attachment portion 38, and separates the conduit attachment portion 36 and the module attachment portion 38. The frame attachment portion 42 includes a socket 48 with a retainer 50 surrounding the outer periphery of the socket 48 and configured to receive a mounting protrusion fixed relative to the vehicle body 24.
[0075] In the illustrated example, the module attachment portion 38 defines a guide rail 52 having a trapezoidal cross-sectional area, wherein a channel 54 extends longitudinally through the middle portion of the guide rail and is at least partially defined by the guide rail 52. A module retainer 40 is located near the proximal end of the guide rail 52 and aligned with the channel 54. The module retainer 40 includes a hook located near the end of a protrusion, the hook being configured to secure the attachment module 34 to the frame 32, as described in more detail below.
[0076] like Figure 3 As shown, the attachment module 34 includes a base portion 60, which is pivotally attached to the retainer portion 62 via a hinge 63. The base portion 60 includes a guide 56 or recess extending longitudinally along the bottom of the base portion between opposite ends and including a trapezoidal cross-sectional area. A groove 58 is located near the guide 56 and spaced inwardly from opposite ends of the attachment module 34. Positioning the groove 58 at opposite ends of the attachment module 34 allows the attachment module to be in a first orientation (…). Figure 4 ) or second orientation ( Figure 6Both are secured to the frame 32. The groove 58 is defined by the main body of the attachment module 34 and configured to receive the module retainer 40 on the frame 32. Specifically, the groove 58 is configured to receive a hook on the module retainer 40. Furthermore, although the example shown illustrates that the groove 58 is located in the attachment module 34 and the module retainer 40 is located on the frame 32, the groove 58 can be located in the frame 32 and the module retainer 40 can be located on the attachment module 34.
[0077] The retainer part 62 is in the open position ( Figure 4 and Figure 6 ) and the closed position fixed relative to the base portion ( Figure 5 The two are pivotable. When in the closed position, the base portion 60 and the retainer portion 62 at least partially define the first catheter holding channel 64 and the second catheter holding channel 66. Furthermore, each of the first catheter holding channel 64 and the second catheter holding channel 66 may include a polymer insert 68 configured to directly engage the outer surface of the catheter passing through it. Further, the polymer insert 68 may provide vibration damping between the catheter and the vehicle body 24. In the illustrated example, the first catheter holding channel 64 includes a first diameter, and the second catheter holding channel 66 includes a second diameter different from the first diameter.
[0078] like Figure 4 As shown, when the attachment module 34 is in the first orientation, the recess 70, at least partially defined by the retainer portion 62, is configured to receive the frame attachment portion 42 when in the open position. This allows for better access when the conduit is placed into the attachment module, while still maintaining the compact design of the clamp assembly 30. In the example shown, the recess 70 extends into the first conduit holding channel 64.
[0079] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of an example method 100 utilizing the clamping assembly 30. Method 100 begins at block 102 (“Determine Orientation”): determining the desired orientation of the attachment module 34 relative to the frame 32. As described above, the attachment module 34 can be in a first orientation ( Figure 4 ) or second orientation ( Figure 6 Attached to frame 32, depending on the orientation of the conduit that will pass through the first retaining channel 64 and the second retaining channel 66. Once the orientation is determined, method 100 proceeds to frame 104.
[0080] At frame 104 (“Attaching the Module to the Frame”), the attachment module 34 is attached to the frame 32 in either the first or second orientation defined by frame 102. The attachment module 34 is attached to the frame 32 to form the clamp assembly 30 by sliding the guide rail 52 on the frame 32 into the guide 56 until the retainer 40 engages with one of the grooves 58 on the attachment module 34. The method then proceeds to frame 106.
[0081] At frame 106 (“Securing the assembly to the vehicle”), the clamp assembly 30, having a frame 32 and an attachment module 34, is secured relative to the vehicle body 24. The clamp assembly is secured by utilizing a frame attachment portion 42 on the frame 32 to engage a protrusion on the vehicle body 24. Method 100 then proceeds to frame 108.
[0082] At frame 108 (“Securing the conduit to the assembly”), brake lines 20A or 20B, or lines 14A or 14B, are attached to clamp assembly 30. Brake lines 20A and 20B are attached to corresponding first brake line retainers 44A or second brake line retainers 44B by passing brake lines 20A and 20B through stopper 46. As retainer portion 62 moves from the open position to the closed position, lines 14A and 14B are attached to corresponding first conduit retention channels 64 or second conduit retention channels 66 in attachment module 34 by using retainer portion 62 to surround lines 14A and 14B.
[0083] The terms “a” and “an” do not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather that at least one of the referenced items is present. Unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise, the term “or” means “and / or”. The reference to “(an) aspect” in the specification means that a particular element (e.g., feature, structure, step, or characteristic) described in connection with that aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein, and may or may not appear in other aspects. Furthermore, it should be understood that the described elements may be combined in appropriate ways in the aspects.
[0084] Although the foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and elements thereof can be substituted with their equivalents without departing from its scope. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include embodiments falling within its scope.
Claims
1. A clamping assembly, comprising: The framework includes: A catheter attachment portion having at least one catheter fixator; A module attachment portion having at least one module retainer; and Configured to attach the frame to the frame attachment portion of the body; and An attachment module capable of being removably attached to a module attachment portion between a first orientation and a second orientation opposite to the first orientation, wherein the attachment module includes: Includes a base portion of a guide, the guide being configured to be removably attached to a module attachment portion of a frame in a first or second orientation; and The retainer portion is pivotally connected to the base portion and is movable between an open position and a closed position fixed relative to the base portion, wherein, when in the closed position, the base portion and the retainer portion at least partially define a first catheter retention channel and a second catheter retention channel.
2. The clamping assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first catheter retention channel includes a first diameter, and the second catheter retention channel includes a second diameter different from the first diameter.
3. The clamping assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The retainer portion defines a recess configured to receive a portion of the frame attachment portion when the attachment module is in a first orientation and the retainer portion is in the open position.
4. The clamping assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The groove extends into the first conduit retention channel.
5. The clamping assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, One of the base portion or the retainer portion includes a hook, and the other of the base portion or the retainer portion includes a retainer for securing the retainer portion relative to the base portion in a closed position.
6. The clamping assembly of claim 1, wherein, At least one catheter retainer at the catheter attachment portion includes at least one brake line retainer.
7. The clamping assembly of claim 6, wherein, At least one brake line retainer includes a pair of flexible stops.
8. The clamping assembly of claim 7, wherein, At least one catheter retainer at the catheter attachment portion includes a pair of brake line retainers.
9. The clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein, The attachment module includes one of a hook or a groove for engaging the other of the hooks or grooves on the attachment portion of the module.
10. The clamping assembly of claim 9, wherein, The module attachment portion defines a guide rail configured to slidably receive one of a hook or groove within a guide on the base portion of the attachment module.