Grip Collar Assembly Snap-Fastening Manufacturing Complexity

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing claw collar assembly requires complex cutting and bending operations for fixation, leading to high manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

The assembly employs snap-fastening means, including projections and orifices on the claw segment and base body, allowing for quick and economical assembly through elastic deformation, reducing the need for complex cutting and bending operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cut-out portions and plastic deformation are used for fixation, then the claw collar achieves secure attachment, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The base body is divided into a first part and a second part that can be separately manufactured and then assembled together through snap-fastening. This segmentation allows each part to be produced using simpler, more economical processes while maintaining secure attachment through the interlocking projection-orifice mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Snap-fastening means consisting of projections and orifices serve as an intermediary mechanism between the first and second parts of the base body. This intermediary system enables secure fixation without requiring complex cutting and bending operations, thus reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining attachment security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If complex cutting and bending operations are used for fixation, then secure attachment is achieved, but manufacturing time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the base body into two parts with snap-fastening interfaces, the manufacturing process avoids time-consuming cutting and bending operations. Each part can be manufactured independently using simpler, faster processes, thereby improving productivity while maintaining fixation strength through the snap-fit mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The snap-fastening mechanism allows the two parts to self-align and self-secure during assembly through the engagement of projections with orifices. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual or automated cutting and bending operations, significantly improving manufacturing efficiency while ensuring reliable fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If integral construction with complex forming operations is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The base body is segmented into two separable parts that can be manufactured independently using cost-effective processes. The snap-fastening connection between parts maintains structural integrity during use, providing a balance between manufacturability and structural stability that reduces overall manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The two separately manufactured parts are merged through snap-fastening means to form the complete base body. This merging approach allows each part to be produced using simpler, cheaper processes while the combined structure maintains the necessary structural integrity for the claw collar's application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This approach simplifies the assembly process, making it faster, safer, and more cost-effective while maintaining the structural integrity of the claw collar.

Implementation Method 1

the snap-fastening means are adapted to allow snap-fastening by elastic deformation of the running part of the segment with claws

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2185852B1Grip collar assembly, corresponding collar and tube joint
Publication Date: 2014.06.25 SAINT GOBAIN PAM SA
  • EP2185852B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2185852B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2185852B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The grip collar assembly comprises a base body (16) extending around a central axis and a grip segment (18) extending around less than 180° of the central axis, the grip segment (18) being attached to the base body (16) by attachment means. The attachment meas comprising snap-fit connector means. Application to tube connections with two male ends.