Flexible Conduit Fitting Resilient Clip Tool-Free Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing flexible conduits to housings, such as those in HVAC actuators, require tools and can be time-consuming, especially in environments with limited access, illumination, and space, due to the need for mechanical manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A flexible conduit fitting system that includes a housing with a resilient clip that engages the conduit's corrugated structure, allowing easy insertion but preventing withdrawal, and a release mechanism accessible without tools for manual removal, ensuring secure attachment without post-assembly manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a set screw or mechanical method is used to secure the flexible conduit to the housing, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the installation requires tools and is time-consuming in environments with limited access, illumination, and space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical set screw system with a spring-loaded clip mechanism that uses elastic deformation and interference fit principles. The spring clip engages with the conduit's corrugated structure through interference between the clip's engagement portion and the conduit corrugations, eliminating the need for tools while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded clip is designed to be self-installing through simple manual manipulation. The resilient nature of the spring material allows the clip to flex during insertion and automatically lock into place, enabling workers to install conduits without requiring specialized tools or extensive manipulation in difficult-to-reach areas.
2Reliability
If a set screw or mechanical fastening method is used, then the conduit connection is secure, but the process requires tool manipulation in environments with limited access, illumination, and space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical fastening operations with a simple spring-loaded insertion mechanism. The spring clip's resilient engagement portion automatically engages the conduit's corrugated structure through elastic deformation, transforming a multi-step mechanical fastening process into a single insertion motion that can be performed without tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the elastic properties of spring material to create a clip that changes its physical state during installation. The resilient clip flexes during insertion to accommodate the conduit, then returns to its original shape to create a secure interference fit, leveraging material property changes to simplify the installation process.
3Ease of operation
If a resilient clip with engagement portion is used to engage the corrugated structure, then insertion is facilitated, but withdrawal must be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the spring-loaded clip to allow easy insertion through flexible deformation, then uses the same spring mechanism to prevent withdrawal. The resilient engagement portion flexes outward during insertion to accommodate the conduit, then springs back to create interference with the corrugated structure that actively prevents removal, effectively using the opposite mechanical action for insertion versus retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic spring-loaded mechanism that adapts its behavior based on the direction of force applied. During insertion, the spring compresses and flexes to allow conduit passage; during attempted withdrawal, the spring expands and creates increased interference force, dynamically adjusting the engagement characteristics to facilitate insertion while preventing removal.
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
Facilitates simple and secure attachment of flexible conduits to housings, reducing installation time and complexity, while maintaining electrical conductivity and allowing for easy removal without tools.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient clip may have an engagement portion that extends into the aperture of the flexible conduit fitting to engage the generally corrugated outer structure of the flexible wiring conduit. The housing is configured to support the resilient clip in a manner that allows the resilient clip to flex in a direction of movement of the flexible wiring conduit when the flexible wiring conduit is inserted into the aperture and past the engagement portion, but to not substantially flex in the direction of movement of the flexible wiring conduit when attempting to withdraw the flexible wiring conduit from the aperture.
Implementation Method 2
The resilient clip may include a biasing portion in addition to the engagement portion that also extends into the aperture of the flexible conduit fitting to engage and bias the flexible wiring conduit toward an inner wall of the aperture of the flexible conduit fitting.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible conduit fitting system includes a housing that defines at least part of a flexible conduit fitting, and a resilient clip supported by the housing. The flexible conduit fitting may include an aperture for receiving an end of a flexible wiring conduit. The resilient clip may have an engagement portion that extends into the aperture of the flexible conduit fitting to engage the generally corrugated outer structure of the flexible wiring conduit. The housing may be configured to support the resilient clip in a manner that allows the resilient clip to flex in a direction of movement of the flexible wiring conduit when the flexible wiring conduit is being inserted into the aperture and past the engagement portion, but to not substantially flex in the direction of movement of the flexible wiring conduit when attempting to withdraw the flexible wiring conduit from the aperture.