Exhaust Pipe Fixing Structure With Helical Spring Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices for attaching exhaust pipes to vehicle chassis face challenges in securely retaining the exhaust pipe while allowing easy insertion and preventing accidental removal.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with an elastic main body and a helical spring reinforcement surrounding the connecting area, which expands radially to allow insertion of the exhaust pipe's securing element and becomes more rigid to prevent accidental removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the fixing device uses an elastic main body to absorb vibrations, then the vibration absorption capability is improved, but the structural rigidity to support static loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device combines an elastic main body (rubber or elastomer) with a rigid reinforcement element (metal bushing or helical spring), creating a composite structure that simultaneously provides vibration absorption through the elastic material and structural rigidity through the rigid reinforcement, resolving the contradiction between softness for vibration damping and hardness for load bearing
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing device is divided into distinct functional segments: the elastic main body for vibration absorption and the rigid reinforcement element for structural support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function without compromising the other, enabling both vibration damping and load bearing capabilities
2Reliability
If the connecting area is reinforced with a metal bushing to prevent detachment, then the retention reliability is improved, but the insertion ease deteriorates due to increased rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The helical spring reinforcement provides dynamic behavior: during insertion, it compresses to allow the securing element to pass through, and during removal attempts, it expands to block the securing element. This dynamic response resolves the contradiction between needing rigidity for retention and flexibility for easy insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement element changes its physical state based on operational phase: in a relaxed state, it allows easy insertion; under compression during insertion, it yields to the securing element; and in an expanded state during removal attempts, it prevents detachment. This parameter change enables both easy insertion and secure retention
3Ease of operation
If the helical spring is designed to expand radially to allow insertion, then the insertion ease is improved, but the resistance to accidental removal deteriorates unless the spring becomes rigid
Solution Approach 1:
The helical spring exhibits dynamic mechanical behavior where it compresses radially during insertion to facilitate easy passage of the securing element, then expands longitudinally when the securing element is pulled back, creating resistance to accidental removal. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between insertion ease and retention reliability
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 securely fixes the exhaust pipe to the chassis, preventing accidental detachment while allowing easy insertion, thus enhancing the durability and reliability of the exhaust pipe attachment.
Implementation Method 1
The fixing device comprises an elastic main body configured to be coupled to the vehicle chassis, the main body comprising a connecting area in which a securing element of the exhaust pipe is introduced
Implementation Method 2
These fixing devices are usually made of rubber to absorb vibrations of the first component, but they must in turn be rigid enough to support the static loads to which said fixing device is subjected
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a fixing device (1) for connecting a first component to a second component, said fixing device (1) comprising an elastic main body (2) comprising a connecting area which allows the passage of a securing element (4) of the first component. The securing element (4) of the first component comprises a widened head (4.1) adapted so that, upon passing through the connecting area, it is retained and fixed in the main body (2) surrounding the connecting area (3). The fixing device (1) further comprises a reinforcement (5) adapted to reinforce the connecting area (3) preventing the removal of the widened head (4.1) of the securing element (4) of the first component, said reinforcement (5) being a helical spring.