Bendable Opposite Piece Reduces Pipe Insertion Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamps with rubber cushion materials face issues such as high insertion force, peeling, and failure due to large friction resistance when mounting pipes, which affects the pipe's insertability.
Innovation Solution
A clamp design featuring a hard member clamp main body with a bendable opposite piece that contacts the pipe during mounting, preventing contact with a flexible member and improving pipe insertability, while also allowing for easy assembly and reduced mold costs through the use of interchangeable piece half portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rubber cushion material is attached to the pipe fitting portion of the clamp main body, then the pipe can be held securely, but the friction resistance becomes large causing high insertion force and peeling
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp main body is divided into two separate pieces (first piece and second piece) that are assembled together, allowing the flexible member to be positioned between them. This segmentation enables the flexible member to be compressed between the two hard member pieces, reducing direct friction between the pipe and flexible member while maintaining secure holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The bendable opposite piece acts as an intermediary element between the pipe and the flexible member. When the pipe is inserted, the bendable opposite piece makes contact with the pipe first, preventing direct contact between the pipe and flexible member, thereby reducing friction resistance and insertion force.
2Strength
If the clamp main body is made of a hard member, then the structure is strong, but the pipe contact causes high friction and insertion difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the clamp have different properties: the clamp main body is made of a hard member for strength, while the flexible member provides flexibility and cushioning. The bendable opposite piece transitions from rigid (when not bent) to flexible (when bent during insertion), optimizing both strength and insertability in different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The bendable opposite piece changes its physical state during operation. Before insertion, it maintains a rigid position to provide structural support. During insertion, it bends to reduce friction and facilitate pipe entry, then returns to its original position to maintain structural integrity.
3Reliability
If the flexible member extends into the pipe insertion path, then the pipe can be held firmly, but the friction resistance increases causing peeling and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible member is extracted from direct contact with the pipe during insertion by positioning it between the two clamp main body pieces. The bendable opposite piece prevents the flexible member from contacting the pipe during insertion, eliminating the source of friction and peeling while maintaining firm holding after insertion.
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 design effectively reduces the risk of peeling and improves pipe insertability by using a bendable opposite piece to absorb load and prevent contact with the flexible member, enhancing the clamp's functionality and assembly efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one opposite piece of the pair of opposite pieces is pressed by an outer circumference of the pipe inserted into the pipe insertion path, and is bendable in a direction wherein the pipe insertion path is expandable
Data Source
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AI summary
A clamp includes a clamp main body, a flexible member, a pipe holding portion, a pipe insertion path, and a pair of opposite pieces. At least one opposite piece of the pair of opposite pieces, is pressed by an outer circumference of a pipe inserted into the pipe insertion path, and is bendable in a direction in which the pipe insertion path is expandable. One opposite piece extends up to a position adjacent to the pipe holding portion. An extending end portion of one opposite piece protrudes toward an inside of the pipe insertion path from one portion of the flexible member adjacent to the end portion.