Resilient Fixing with Deformable Inner Formations for High Pull Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing methods for securing articles to surfaces, such as cabling and pipework, are time-consuming due to the need for multiple screw and plug installations, and existing alternatives like the Linian Fire Clip require high forces for removal, limiting their efficiency and utility.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with resiliently biased elongate members that deform and engage with the cavity walls upon insertion, providing enhanced outward forces and increased pull-out resistance, utilizing inner formations and barbs to secure articles efficiently without screws or plugs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fixings with screws and plugs are used, then reliable attachment is achieved, but installation time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple separate components (screw, plug, wall engagement) into a single integrated fixing device. The fixing comprises a body with first and second engagement portions that simultaneously interact with the wall and the article, eliminating the need for separate plugs and screws while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing device is designed to perform multiple functions within a single component: it engages with the wall through barbs on the engagement portions, secures the article through the body, and provides adjustable positioning. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate plugs, screws, and adjustment mechanisms.
2Productivity
If simple clip fixings are used to reduce installation time, then installation speed improves, but pull-out resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is pre-configured with barbs on the engagement portions that are oriented to engage with the wall upon insertion. The barbs are positioned and angled to automatically provide mechanical interlocking with the wall surface when the fixing is installed, ensuring strong pull-out resistance from the start without requiring additional fastening steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement portions of the fixing are designed with curved surfaces that conform to the wall surface, allowing the barbs to engage effectively with irregular wall surfaces. The curved geometry enables the fixing to adapt to various wall contours while maintaining strong engagement and pull-out resistance.
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 significantly reduces installation time and increases the pull-out resistance of the fixings, allowing for efficient and secure attachment of articles like cabling and pipework with lower removal forces compared to existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
two elongate members extending from the coupling arrangement; the elongate members being resiliently biased towards a position in which they are spaced apart from one another along at least a part of their length
Implementation Method 2
each elongate member comprising a resiliently deformable inner formation spaced apart from a proximal end and a distal end of the elongate member, the inner formations extending toward an adjacent elongate member and positioned to engage therewith and resiliently deform, when the elongate members are brought together and inserted in a said cylindrical hole in use
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
Figure 3(d)~4
AI summary
Disclosed is a fixing (1) for securing an article (21) to a surface (19). The fixing comprising a coupling arrangement (3) for coupling the fixing to an article such as cabling. Elongate members (5) extend from the coupling arrangement and are moved together to insert the fixing into a cavity (17), and spring apart to retain the fixing in the cavity. The elongate members have resiliently deformable inner formations (9) positioned which are spaced apart from the ends of the elongate members. The inner formations engage with one another and resiliently deform when the elongate members are brought together. The inner formations apply additional forces urging the elongate members apart, thereby increasing the pull resistance of the fixing. Also disclosed is a fixing (400) in which the elongate members (405) have conformable outer portions (431), to conform to the inner surface of a cavity and increase pull resistance; and a method of securing an article to a surface.