Clampless Tail Pipe Assembly With Hidden Spring Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for mounting tail pipe trim onto exhaust pipes are time-consuming and complex, often requiring visible fasteners and can lead to improper alignment, with a need for a solution that eliminates additional fasteners and provides weight reduction while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A clampless tail pipe assembly featuring a base with spring elements that securely attach the tail pipe to the exhaust pipe without visible fasteners, utilizing a series of angled and arcuate sections to ensure proper alignment and secure engagement, allowing the tail pipe assembly to slide over the exhaust pipe into position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If screw connections or pipe clamps are used to secure tail pipe to exhaust pipe, then the tail pipe can be firmly attached, but the mounting becomes time-consuming and complex requiring additional fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides both the attachment mechanism and the alignment feature. The spring element body combines the securing function with integrated locking teeth that engage with the exhaust pipe, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and alignment tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The biased state of the spring element automatically provides the necessary mounting pressure, and the locking teeth self-engage with the exhaust pipe without requiring additional fasteners or complex installation procedures.
2Strength
If visible fasteners are used to attach tail pipe, then secure mounting is achieved, but aesthetic appeal is compromised due to visible attachments
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element and its locking teeth are nested within the tail pipe assembly structure. The attachment mechanism is concealed inside the tail pipe, with only the functional ends visible, creating a clean aesthetic appearance while maintaining secure attachment through the hidden fastening system.
3Ease of operation
If traditional mounting methods are used, then attachment is achieved, but improper alignment between tail pipe and exhaust pipe occurs during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is pre-biased to a specific state before installation, with the locking teeth pre-positioned to engage with the exhaust pipe. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the tail pipe assembly is installed, the alignment is automatically correct without requiring additional adjustment time during installation.
4Strength
If multiple fasteners and components are used for mounting, then secure attachment is achieved, but weight reduction is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element consolidates multiple mounting components into a single integrated part. Instead of using separate clamps, screws, and alignment devices, the spring element body incorporates all these functions, significantly reducing the total component count and weight of the tail pipe assembly.
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 enables easy and secure mounting of the tail pipe assembly without additional fasteners, ensuring proper alignment and reducing weight, while maintaining a decorative appearance by hiding the attachment mechanism from view, thus addressing the complexity and aesthetic concerns of existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
Each spring element may comprise a spring element body having a first end and a second end distal from the first end. The spring element may be biased to a relaxed state.
Data Source
AI summary
A clampless tail pipe assembly may include a base having a longitudinal axis and spring elements spaced about the base. Each spring element may have a body with a first end and a second distal end. The second distal end may comprise a first inner locking tooth. The spring element body may include sequential proximate portions. A first portion may be connected to the base, substantially linear, and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. A second portion may be arcuate. A third portion may be substantially linear and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. A fourth portion may be angled relative to the longitudinal axis. A fifth portion may be angled relative to the longitudinal axis, and the angle may be different than the angle of the fourth portion relative to the longitudinal axis. A sixth portion may be angled relative to the longitudinal axis.