Elastically Deformable Clip for Link Bolt Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe rehabilitation methods face challenges in preventing link bolts from falling out of segments during the assembly of rehabilitation pipes in the pipe-length direction, which complicates the linking process and stability of the segments.
Innovation Solution
An elastically deformable clip with a cylindrical cavity and notch is used to grip the link bolt, ensuring a strong grip force that prevents the link bolt from falling out by attaching to the link bolt and limiting its movement when gravity acts in the opposite direction, while allowing movement in the insertion direction for secure screwing into nuts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a temporary lock made from a sheet member with an opening is used to prevent the link bolt from falling out, then the structure is simple, but the link bolt cannot be reliably prevented from falling out due to insufficient frictional resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the clip from rigid to elastically deformable, allowing it to dynamically adjust its gripping force. The clip's elasticity enables it to deform during link bolt insertion and then rebound to create strong frictional resistance, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to the insertion process while ensuring reliable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastically deformable clip acts as an intermediary between the link bolt and the segment. Instead of relying directly on friction between the sheet member opening and link bolt, the clip mediates this interaction by providing enhanced elastic frictional resistance, effectively transferring and amplifying the retentive force while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If the link bolt is prevented from moving in the opposite direction by a strong grip force, then the link bolt is securely retained, but the linking process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The elastically deformable clip is designed to automatically perform multiple functions through its elastic properties alone, without requiring additional mechanisms. It self-adjusts its gripping force during insertion, self-locks the link bolt in place, and even facilitates the screwing operation by allowing controlled movement. This self-service capability achieves reliable retention while maintaining linking process simplicity.
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 elastically deformable clip effectively prevents link bolts from falling out of segments, ensuring stable and efficient linking of segments in the pipe-length direction, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the pipe rehabilitation process.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable clip having a cylindrical cavity with a notch is used to grip a link bolt
Implementation Method 2
The link bolt is temporarily locked due to a frictional resistance between the opening and the link bolt
Data Source
AI summary
Segments are linked in the circumferential length to assemble a pipe unit, which is linked to another pipe unit using a link bolt to install a rehabilitating pipe inside an existing pipe. An elastically deformable clip having a cylindrical cavity with a notch is attached to the link bolt between the inner plates of the segment. The clip grips the link bolt at the cavity thereof that is enlarged due to elastic deformation. When the link bolt is moved in the direction opposite the insertion direction, the clip that grips the link bolt hits the inner plate of the segment to limit the movement of the link bolt in the opposite direction and prevent the link bolt from falling out of the segment.