Conduit End Holder for Pre-Assembled Clamp Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing connection methods for air conditioning duct systems require additional fixing agents, tools, precise positioning, and sufficient overlap, which can lead to logistical challenges and incorrect assembly, especially in rail vehicle technology.

Innovation Solution

A line element with integrated holders and a guide space for the fixing means, allowing pre-assembly and ensuring correct positioning and overlap, using a clamp, pipe clamp, hose clamp, or cable tie, which simplifies the connection process and reduces the risk of incorrect assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a separate fixing device is used to connect duct elements, then the connection can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation decreases due to multiple components and tools required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is integrated directly into the duct element structure, merging the previously separate holder and duct element into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate fixing devices and reduces the total number of components, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated holder serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables fixing device attachment, and guides the second duct element during assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, improving ease of operation while maintaining simple device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If additional fixing devices and tools are used for connection, then the connection can be secured, but the loss of time increases due to logistical preparation and tool availability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidpreparation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is pre-integrated into the duct element during manufacturing, eliminating the need for on-site assembly of multiple components. The fixing device can be directly attached to the pre-positioned holder without requiring separate preparation steps, tools, or logistical coordination, thus reducing preparation time and increasing assembly speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If manual positioning of the fixing device is used, then the connection can be made, but the manufacturing precision decreases due to difficulty in controlling overlap and positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidassembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical positioning process is replaced by the integrated holder structure that provides built-in alignment features and positioning guides. The holder's geometry automatically ensures correct overlap and positioning of duct elements, eliminating the need for manual measurement and adjustment while maintaining high positioning accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated holder structure performs the positioning function automatically through its designed geometry and alignment features. The system self-aligns the duct elements during assembly without requiring external tools or manual intervention, ensuring consistent manufacturing precision while simplifying the assembly operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3614030B1Conduit element with integrated holder for fixing means
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 SIEMENS MOBILITY GMBH
  • EP3614030B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3614030B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a conductor element (1) and a connection arrangement comprising such a conductor element (1), a second conductor element (12), and a circumferential fixing means (6) for fixing the second conductor element (12) to the first conductor element (1). The invention relates to a method for manufacturing such a conductor element (1). The objective is to simplify the positioning and connection of conductor elements and to reduce the risk of incorrect assembly.According to the invention, a conductor element (1) is provided, comprising a first conductor end (2), wherein at least one holder (4) is arranged on a radial outer side of the first conductor end (2), the holder being configured to at least partially receive an end face of a second conductor end (5) of a second conductor element (12), and also being configured to at least partially receive a fixing means (6) circumferentially surrounding the first conductor end (2). This allows the fixing means (6) to be pre-assembled on the first conductor element (1); a relative assembly position between the first and second conductor ends (2; 5) is thus established.