Axial Slide Routing Clip for Tube Retention and NVH Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing routing clips for vehicular components require two materials to manage tube slide force and mitigate noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) issues, and lack efficient assembly characteristics, leading to potential slippage and increased manufacturing and assembly complexities.
Innovation Solution
A routing clip with flexible rib features, precise axial and rotational control, and tool-free assembly, utilizing a single material (resin) to securely encapsulate tubing, reduce NVH, and streamline production processes, featuring a hinge mechanism and snap assemblies for secure tube retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If two materials are used to manage tube slide force and mitigate NVH issues, then NVH performance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of two separate materials (friction management and NVH mitigation) into a single integrated routing clip structure. The clip incorporates both a friction surface for tube slide force management and a damping surface for NVH mitigation within one component, eliminating the need for multiple materials while maintaining both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing clip is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs friction management, NVH mitigation, and mechanical fastening. The single clip structure integrates features that previously required separate components, making one element serve multiple purposes in the tube routing system.
2Reliability
If traditional routing clips are used, then tube retention is achieved, but assembly efficiency is reduced due to lack of tool-free assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The routing clip incorporates a tool-free assembly mechanism where the clip can be manually installed and adjusted without requiring external tools. The design includes features such as snap-fit connections or collapsible structures that allow workers to quickly install and secure the clip onto tubes and vehicle components using only hand operations.
3Reliability
If existing routing clip designs are used, then basic fastening is achieved, but manufacturing and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple features (friction surface, damping surface, fastening structure) into a single molded routing clip component. This consolidation reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and inventoried, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining all necessary fastening and NVH mitigation functions.
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 solution minimizes NVH issues, reduces material costs and production complexity, enhances assembly quality, and eliminates the need for multiple materials, while providing enhanced stability and ease of assembly for vehicular components.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of pockets comprises a flexible band support element configured to conform to the one of the plurality of tubes
Implementation Method 2
a second component pivotally coupled with the first component via a hinge
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a routing clip for routing tubes. The routing clip includes a first component and a second component pivotally coupled with the first component via a hinge to alternate between an open position and a closed position. When in the closed position, the first component and the second component define a plurality of pockets. Each of the plurality of pockets to secure one of the plurality of tubes and having a flexible band support element to conform to the one of the plurality of tubes. The flexible band support element includes a curved portion configured to conform to a shape of the one of the plurality of tubes. The curved portion is connected at each of its ends to a sidewall to bridge at least a portion of one of the plurality of pockets. The curved portion is connected at each of its ends to the sidewall via a wall feature and a bend feature.