Clip Assembly Cam Mechanism for HVAC Pipe Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clips used in HVAC fixtures and fittings for vehicles are cumbersome, unreliable in creating an airtight seal, and difficult to use due to the large forces required, leading to inefficiencies in assembly lines and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A clip assembly with a retainer member, a resilient closing member, and a locking member that translates rotational force into radial compressive force for easy and secure attachment of components, featuring a cam surface mechanism and elastomeric contact elements for friction fit and vibration dampening, allowing for easy installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional clips are used to secure pipes in HVAC systems, then the pipes can be retained, but the clips become loose due to motor vibration over time and require tools or sealants to create an airtight seal
Solution Approach 1:
The clip assembly is designed to self-lock and create an airtight seal through its own structural features without requiring external tools or sealants. The resilient closing member and locking member work together to automatically secure the pipe and form a reliable seal upon installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the retention function and sealing function into a single integrated clip assembly. The retainer member, resilient closing member, and locking member are merged into one unit that simultaneously secures the pipe and creates an airtight seal.
2Ease of operation
If clips are designed to be closable by hand, then installation becomes easier, but large forces are required to close the clip
Solution Approach 1:
The cam surfaces are designed with curved geometries that convert rotational motion into linear closing motion. The curved cam surfaces provide mechanical advantage, allowing the closing force to be applied over a longer distance and at more favorable angles, reducing the peak force required.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the closing action from a direct linear compression (one dimension) into a rotational movement followed by cam-actuated compression (multiple dimensions). The resilient closing member rotates about a fulcrum, and the cam surfaces convert this rotational motion into the final closing force, adding dimensional complexity to reduce force requirements.
3Reliability
If multiple steps are used to fit and secure the clip, then the pipe can be securely retained, but the process becomes time-consuming and creates bottlenecks on assembly lines
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions (positioning, securing, and locking) into a single installation action. The retainer member, resilient closing member, and locking member work together in one continuous motion to complete the securing process, eliminating the need for separate positioning and locking steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer member is pre-configured with the resilient closing member and locking member in predetermined positions and orientations. This preliminary arrangement allows the installer to simply attach the assembly to the pipe in one action, with the components automatically engaging in the correct sequence without requiring manual adjustment or multiple steps.
4Reliability
If sealants are used to create an airtight seal, then the seal reliability improves, but the maintenance time increases and replacement parts are required
Solution Approach 1:
The clip assembly creates an airtight seal through its own structural features, specifically the friction fit between the retainer member and pipe, without requiring external sealants. This self-sealing capability eliminates the need for additional materials and simplifies maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses the inherent friction and elastic properties of the resilient closing member to create a reusable seal without relying on consumable sealants. The seal is formed by the mechanical interaction between the clip components and the pipe, allowing for easy replacement and reuse of the clip assembly without waste of sealant materials.
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 clip assembly provides a reliable, efficient, and easy-to-use solution for securing components in confined spaces, reducing assembly time and maintenance costs by translating rotational force into radial compressive force, ensuring a secure fit and reducing waste through modular design.
Implementation Method 1
the resilient closing part is forced radially outwards by the first cam surface of the retainer member, elastically deforming and changing the trajectory of the resilient closing member
Implementation Method 2
The strip can be deformed by hand, allowing a user to bend the retaining portion 30 by forcing the first and second closure portions 31, 32 towards each other. As illustrated in Figure 1b the clip 10 may be secured by a fastener 21, with the retaining portion 30 bent around the pipe 50 such that it is frictionally retained by the rubber sleeve.
Implementation Method 3
a resilient closing member, having a first end portion pivotably coupled to a fulcrum of said retainer member, and a second end portion adapted to operably engage with said first cam surface so as to move from a first radial trajectory towards an outer second radial trajectory when moving about said fulcrum
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
The present invention provides for a clip assembly, comprising a retainer member (400), having a first cam surface (404), configured to receive and removably retain a component; a resilient closing member (300), having a first end portion pivotably coupled to a fulcrum of said retainer member, and a second end portion (302) adapted to operably engage with said first cam surface so as to move between a first radial trajectory and a second radial trajectory, when moving about said fulcrum between an open position and a closed position, and a locking member (200), having a second cam surface (202) configured to move said second end portion from said second radial trajectory towards said first radial trajectory during operation, and removably secure said second end portion.