Adjustable Cable and Pipe Connector for Precise Support Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for attaching cables or pipes to support structures often result in misalignment, especially with harder pipes, leading to installation difficulties and increased costs due to the need for additional bases for adjustability.
Innovation Solution
A connector design with an adapter part and a movable base that allows for adjustable positioning without direct fastening to the support structure, using an opening and stop part configuration to ensure alignment and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If connectors are directly fastened to the support structure, then the installation process is simple, but the connector position cannot be adjusted leading to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two functional parts: a fixed adapter part that attaches to the support structure and a movable base that can be positioned independently. This segmentation allows the fastening function to be separated from the positioning function, enabling simple installation while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The base is designed to be movable relative to the adapter part along the installation face of the support structure. This dynamic capability allows the base to be adjusted to compensate for deviations in installation hole positions, ensuring precise alignment of multiple connectors while maintaining a simple fastening process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an additional base is used to make connectors adjustable, then connector position adjustability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The movable base and adapter part are combined into a single integrated connector structure. The base is designed to slide along the installation face while remaining connected to the adapter part, providing adjustability without requiring separate components. This merging reduces device complexity and manufacturing costs compared to using entirely separate parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter part serves multiple functions: it provides the fastening interface to the support structure, acts as a guide for the movable base, and enables position adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining adjustability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an additional base is used to make connectors adjustable, then connector position adjustability is improved, but installation time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter part is pre-fastened to the support structure at the installation hole positions, establishing fixed reference points. The movable base can then be easily adjusted along these pre-established guides without requiring additional fastening operations, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable base is designed to slide freely along the installation face during installation, allowing quick position adjustments without tools or additional fastening steps. This dynamic design enables installers to compensate for alignment deviations in real-time during the installation process, reducing overall installation time.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector (1) for attaching a cable or pipe to a support structure, the connector (1) including an installation part (2) for fastening to the support structure and a clamping part (3) for supporting the cable or pipe, the installation part (2) including a base (21) substantially perpendicular to the fastening direction (D) and a sidewall (22) extending from a side edge of the base (21) substantially in the fastening direction (D); the installation part (2) further includes an adapter part (20) for receiving the fastening component, and the base (21) is provided with an opening (23); the adapter part (20) is at least partially installed in the opening (23), and when the adapter part (20) is fastened to the support structure, the base (21) is movable relative to the adapter part (20). The connector (1) is fastened to the support structure by the adapter part (20), and the opening (23) in the base (21) enables the base (21) to move within a certain range relative to the fixed adapter part (20), thus making the connector (1) position-adjustable.