Conduit Support Clamp With Pin Locking and Secure Bar Closure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for fixing conduits to guide rails often require welding, which can damage the conduits, and lack secure closing systems to prevent accidental dislodging, while also being complex and costly to manufacture and replace.

Innovation Solution

A metal support device with a rigid plate and oblong closing flat bar, featuring a groove and hook mechanism for secure conduit retention, and a pin-based attachment system for easy installation and replacement on guide rails, without the need for welding, and with integrated sealing features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If welding is used to fix clamps to guide rails, then the fixing strength is improved, but the conduits can be damaged by welding heat and sparks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing strengthVSAvoidconduit damage from welding
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the harmful welding process from the fixing system and replaces it with a mechanical pin-based attachment system. The clamp is designed with a pin insertion hole that allows secure attachment to the guide rail without welding, thereby eliminating thermal damage and sparks while maintaining fixing strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a pin as an intermediary element between the clamp and the guide rail. This pin serves as a mediator that transfers the loading from the clamp to the guide rail through mechanical interlocking via the pin insertion hole, avoiding direct welding contact with the conduit while achieving secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a secure closing system is added to prevent conduit dislodging, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of conduit dislodgingVSAvoidclosing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closing system operates on an inversion principle where the clamp starts in an open position for easy conduit insertion, and must be deliberately closed and locked into place. The flat bar is inserted through the conduit and engaged with the hook, creating a secure closed position that prevents accidental dislodging while maintaining simplicity through the natural gravity-assisted closing action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The closing system utilizes self-service through gravity-assisted closing. When the flat bar is inserted through the conduit, gravity naturally pulls it downward into the locked position against the stop, eliminating the need for complex actuating mechanisms while ensuring reliable closure and prevention of accidental opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the support device is designed for easy replacement at different heights, then the ease of operation is improved, but the fixing security may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of replacement and repositioningVSAvoidfixing security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support device is segmented into modular components: the clamp body, the flat bar closing element, and the pin attachment system. This segmentation allows the entire assembly to be easily detached from one height position and reattached at another by simply removing and reinserting the pin, maintaining both ease of operation and fixing security through the robust mechanical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If sealing means are integrated into the support device, then the sealing capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is merged with the existing flat bar closing element. The flat bar serves dual purposes: as the closing mechanism that secures the conduit in place, and as the sealing surface that contacts the conduit to prevent leakage. This integration eliminates the need for separate sealing components, reducing manufacturing cost while improving sealing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2218954B1Support device for conduits or wirings
Publication Date: 2014.10.22 J VAN WALRAVEN HLDG BV
  • EP2218954B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2218954B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a support device (1) for conduits or wirings (2), comprising a plate (3) provided with several transverse folds forming a concavity (4), intended for serving as support for conduits or wirings, provided with an end portion (5) suitable for the connection thereof to a guide rail (6) and in which a groove is formed (7); and an oblong closing flat bar (8), provided at a first end (9) with at least one indentation intended for cooperating with the groove of the plate for the retention of the flat bar, which is folded over itself at its opposite end (11) forming a hook (12), which can be inserted in an opening (13) provided in the wall of the concavity. A system for the fixing thereof to walls comprises a guide rail provided with pairs of through holes in its side walls, the holes of one and the same pair being aligned, which allow securing the device to the guide rail by means of a pin.