Corrugated Tube Fastener With Elastic Snap-Lock Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for holding or fastening corrugated pipes to solid surfaces lack versatility and ease of assembly, with existing solutions not providing a reliable and easy-to-use mechanism for engaging and disengaging the pipes.

Innovation Solution

A device with a corrugated pipe snap-in formation that undergoes reversible elastic deformation, featuring a first and second leg with complementary locking formations, allowing for positive engagement and disengagement of the pipe, and including connection formations for stacking and securing multiple devices and pipes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a corrugated pipe fastening device uses elastic deformation for engagement, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to insufficient locking capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidlocking capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device merges two distinct mechanisms into one integrated structure: elastic legs (S1, S2) that provide easy engagement through reversible deformation, and locking formations (V1, V2) that provide secure locking. The legs and locking formations are integrally connected in the base region, creating a unified fastening device that achieves both ease of operation and reliability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs dynamic elastic deformation of the legs during engagement and disengagement operations. The legs can be elastically deformed to a second state (D2) during insertion/removal and return to a first state (D1) during normal operation, allowing the device to adapt its mechanical properties based on operational needs - flexible during assembly, rigid during service.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a corrugated pipe fastening device uses integral legs for engagement, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates due to limited connection options

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidconnection options
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates multiple types of connection formations that serve different functions: locking formations (V1, V2) for securing the corrugated pipe, device connection formations (C1, C2) for connecting adjacent devices horizontally, and additional connection formations (C3, C4) for vertical or offset connections. This multi-functionality allows a single integral structure to provide diverse connection options for various installation scenarios.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The device segments its connection capabilities into distinct functional regions: the legs (S1, S2) with locking formations for pipe engagement, the outer sides of legs with device connection formations for horizontal device-to-device connection, and the base region with additional connection formations for vertical/offset connections. This segmentation allows each region to specialize in a particular connection type while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables easy assembly and disassembly of corrugated pipes with a secure attachment to solid surfaces, allowing for versatile use and stable stacking of pipes, while preventing displacement and ensuring a strong frictional connection.

Implementation Method 1

the device being in an elastically non-deformed state or in a first elastically deformed state with a first deformation D1 of the device can be positively engaged with the corrugated tube, and wherein the device passes through a second elastically deformed state with a second deformation D2 of the device when it is brought into engagement with the corrugated tube and when it is disengaged from the corrugated tube

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3596373B1Device and system for fastening a or a plurality of corrugated tubes to a solid surface
Publication Date: 2023.11.08 ZEHNDER GROUP INTERNATIONAL AG
  • EP3596373B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP3596373B1 patent drawingFigure 6A~8D
  • EP3596373B1 patent drawingFigure 9A~10D

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (H) for holding or fastening a corrugated tube to a solid surface, wherein the device (H) has a corrugated tube engaging formation (S1, S2), which is complementary to the outer contour of the corrugated tube, wherein the device (H) can be interlockingly engaged with the corrugated tube in an elastically non-deformed state or in a first elastically deformed state having a first deformation, and wherein the device (H) passes through a second elastically deformed state having a second deformation upon being brought into engagement with the corrugated tube and upon being brought out of engagement with the corrugated tube, wherein the second elastic deformation is greater than the first elastic deformation.