Clamping Arrangement Elastomeric Retaining Member Tubular Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping arrangements for securing tubular members, such as those used in fluid handling applications in motor vehicles, require improvement for more efficient and secure attachment methods, particularly in facilitating assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A clamping arrangement that includes an elastomeric retaining member to temporarily attach a clamp member to a tubular member, allowing for pre-clamping orientation and subsequent secure clamping, utilizing an elastomeric band that expands elastically to match the outer diameter of the tubular member, ensuring secure retention before final clamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clamp member is temporarily attached to a tubular member using adhesive, then the clamp member can be secured to the tubular member, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric retaining member acts as an intermediary between the clamp member and the tubular member. It provides a temporary retention mechanism that simplifies assembly by eliminating the need for adhesive application, while still ensuring secure temporary attachment during the clamping process
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric retaining member is pre-installed on the clamp member before the clamping operation. This preliminary action allows the clamp member to be temporarily retained on the tubular member without requiring adhesive, streamlining the assembly process while maintaining attachment security
2Ease of operation
If an elastomeric retaining member is used to temporarily retain the clamp member, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric retaining member is integrated with the clamp member by being received within its inner circumference, merging two functional elements into a unified assembly. This combination provides temporary retention functionality while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that does not require additional separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric retaining member utilizes the flexibility and elastic properties of elastomeric material to provide temporary retention. This flexible component can deform to accommodate the clamp member and tubular member geometry, providing effective retention without requiring complex mechanical structures
3Reliability
If the elastomeric band is elastically expanded to match the outer diameter of the tubular member, then secure retention is achieved, but the material stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric retaining member is designed to dynamically adapt its diameter through elastic expansion and contraction. It expands to match the outer diameter of the tubular member for secure retention, then contracts during the clamping process and relaxes after release, allowing the material to withstand the necessary stress cycles without permanent deformation
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
This solution enhances the ease and security of clamping tubular members together, facilitating assembly by providing a temporary retention mechanism that ensures proper alignment and secure attachment, improving the efficiency of fluid handling systems.
Implementation Method 1
elastically expanding the elastomeric retaining member to a retaining diameter substantially equal to an outer diameter of the outer tubular member
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A clamping arrangement (10) includes a clamp member (16) and an elastomeric member (18). The clamp member (16) is operative in a first orientation having a first inner diameter and a second orientation having a second inner diameter. The first diameter is greater than the second diameter. The elastomeric retaining member (18) is carried by the clamp member (16) and is operative to temporarily retain the clamping arrangement to a first or outer tubular member (14) having an outer diameter less than the first inner diameter when the clamp member (16) is in the first orientation.