Elastic Tube Holder with Snap-Fit Base for Secure Wall Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holding devices for tubes on walls lack safety and convenience, as they can accidentally release the tube and may cause cables to get hooked on protruding closure means, and require handling screws for fixation.
Innovation Solution
A holding device with an elastically deformable base and arms that transition between two stable positions for easy tube insertion and retention, using a pin or screw for wall fixation without needing additional screws, and featuring wings for secure tube fit and optional closure means for enhanced safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If closure means are provided at the ends of the arms to join them together, then the tube retention is improved, but the device complexity increases and cables may get hooked on the protruding closure means
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the traditional closure means from the ends of the arms and replaces it with a snap-fit mechanism where the arms themselves engage with the base. This extraction eliminates the protruding elements that could hook cables while maintaining secure tube retention through the elastic engagement of arms with the base.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the function of closure means into the base structure itself. The base incorporates engagement features that directly interact with the arms, combining the support and closure functions into a single integrated component, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If tabs at the ends of the arms are used to release the tube, then the tube can be released, but the tube may be accidentally released when the tabs or closure means are inadvertently acted on
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a dynamic elastic mechanism where the arms can flex and snap into engagement with the base. The tube is retained by the elastic force of the arms against the base, and release requires a deliberate action to overcome this elastic force, making accidental release unlikely while maintaining ease of intentional release.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic deformation capability of the base and arms provides a cushioning effect that absorbs unintended forces. The elastic mechanism is designed to withstand minor inadvertent actions without releasing the tube, while still allowing deliberate release when sufficient force is applied.
3Reliability
If a screw is used to fix the holding device to the wall, then the device can be securely fixed, but the user must handle screws which complicates the installation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a self-fixing mechanism where the device attaches to the wall without requiring the user to manually handle screws. The elastic arms or integrated fixing elements automatically engage with the wall surface or mounting holes, allowing the device to secure itself during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary fixing mechanism between the device and the wall, such as elastic expansion elements or snap-fit mounting components. This intermediary element simplifies the installation process by eliminating the need for traditional screw handling while maintaining secure wall fixation.
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 device provides quick and secure tube fixation to walls with reduced risk of accidental release and eliminates the need for handling screws, ensuring robust and reliable attachment and detachment.
Implementation Method 1
the base is elastically deformable, and the assembly formed by the base and the two arms is shaped such that the base can adopt a first stable position... and a second stable position... when pressure is applied on the upper face of the base, said base elastically deforms to transition from the first stable position to the second stable position
Data Source
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AI summary
Holding device (1) for holding a tube (30) to a wall, comprising a support platform (2), a through hole (3) for a fixing element and an open clamp (4). The clamp (4) comprises two opposite arms (5) and a base (6). The base (6) is elastically deformable and can adopt a first stable position, in which the ends (7) of the arms (5) demarcate an opening (8) between them for introducing he tube (30) in the clamp (4), and a second stable position, in which said ends (7) of the two arms (5) are closer to one another for retaining the tube (30). When pressure is applied on the upper face (61) of the base (6), said base (6) elastically deforms to transition from the first stable position to the second stable position.