Elastic Bracket Assembly for Tubing Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bracket assemblies for fixing tubing elements to supports are costly, heavy, and have design restrictions that limit automation in the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A bracket with a bent second end and an elastic insert that securely grips tubing elements without additional fixation means, allowing for simplified manufacturing and automation, featuring a metallic body with a curved recess and a retaining tab for secure assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional fixation means such as screws, rivets, or welding beads are used to secure the tubing element in the bracket, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bracket body and the fixation means into a single integrated elastic component. The bracket is formed as one piece with continuous elastic branches that directly grip the tubing element, eliminating the need for separate screws, rivets, or welding beads. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining fixation reliability through the elastic gripping action.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic bracket is designed to automatically grip and secure the tubing element through its own elastic deformation. When the branches are spread and pressed together, the elastic material inherently provides the clamping force needed to hold the tubing element firmly in place without requiring additional active fixation mechanisms.
2Reliability
If additional fixation means are used to secure the tubing element, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the weight of the bracket assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the fixation function directly into the bracket body through elastic branches, the patent eliminates the need for separate heavy fixation components such as metal screws, rivets, or welding beads. The single-piece elastic bracket provides both structural support and fixation function, reducing overall assembly weight.
3Reliability
If the bracket design requires additional fixation means, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture and automation capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bracket body and fixation elements into a single moldable component. The entire bracket can be manufactured in one injection molding process, and the elastic branches are formed as integral parts of the body. This eliminates multiple assembly steps required for separate fixation means, greatly simplifying manufacturing and enabling full automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is pre-designed with built-in elastic branches that are already configured to grip the tubing element. The spreading and pressing actions are simple mechanical movements that can be easily automated, eliminating complex assembly operations. The elastic insert is pre-positioned in the recess, ready to engage the tubing element when the branches are closed.
4Ease of manufacture
If the second end is bent to form a recess with an elastic insert, then the ease of manufacture and automation are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bracket body and elastic insert into a single integrated component manufactured by injection molding. The elastic insert is formed as an integral part of the bracket body, with the recess and branches all created in one manufacturing process. This merging eliminates the need for separate elastic inserts and complex assembly operations, reducing device complexity despite the sophisticated geometry.
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 provides a lightweight, cost-effective bracket assembly that securely fixes tubing elements with intrinsic rigidity, eliminating the need for additional fixation means and enabling automated manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic insert (3) arranged in the recess (4) of said second end (2b)... the second portion (3b) of said elastic insert (3) being shaped like an arc forming a securing gap (9)... surrounded said tubing element (101) when the bracket (1) is closed
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket intended to be fastened to a support, such as a chassis or an engine of a vehicle, preferably a motor vehicle, the bracket having at least a body including: a first end configured to be fastened to a support, a second end opposite to the first end, an intermediate portion arranged between the first end and the second end, the second end being bent so as to form a recess oriented toward the first end and facing the intermediate portion, wherein the bracket further includes an elastic insert arranged in the recess of the second end.