Ground Clip Orientation for Reliable Hose-to-Pipe Grounding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing hose attachment structures face difficulties in correctly setting the grounding member due to similar inner diameters of the coil part on both sides, leading to potential misalignment and deformation, which can result in ineffective electrostatic discharge and damage to the hose.
Innovation Solution
A hose attachment structure with a ground clip featuring a coil part and pinch parts, where one pinch part has an asymmetrically-shaped indicator for directivity, allowing operators to easily recognize the correct attachment direction and prevent misalignment and deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the grounding member uses symmetric pinch parts with similar inner diameters on both sides, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the operator cannot easily recognize the correct attachment direction leading to potential misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by making one pinch part have a different shape from the other, specifically giving one pinch part an asymmetrically-shaped indicator. This allows the operator to easily recognize the correct attachment direction (which side faces the hose) while maintaining structural simplicity. The asymmetric indicator breaks the symmetry without complicating the overall manufacturing process.
2Ease of operation
If the operator falsely sets the grounding member with the large-diameter hose side facing the metallic pipe, then the attachment appears complete, but the grounding member cannot contact the outer face of the metallic pipe resulting in floating state and ineffective grounding
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric indicator on one pinch part provides visual guidance to ensure correct orientation during installation. This prevents the operator from falsely setting the grounding member in the wrong direction, ensuring reliable contact between the coil part and the metallic pipe outer face, thereby guaranteeing effective grounding.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric indicator may use visual differences (such as color, shape, or marking) to indicate the correct orientation. This visual cue system helps the operator quickly identify which side should face the hose and which side should contact the metallic pipe, preventing incorrect installation and ensuring reliable grounding.
3Ease of operation
If the operator forcibly attaches the coil part to the reinforcing member in the wrong direction, then the attachment can be completed, but the coil part twists and deforms due to friction causing breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric indicator prevents the operator from attempting to attach the coil part in the wrong direction in the first place. By providing clear visual guidance on the correct orientation, it eliminates the need for forcible attachment that would cause twisting and deformation, thereby preserving the strength of the coil part and preventing breakage.
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
Ensures correct electrical connection between the electroconductive pipe and flexible hose, preventing electrostatic discharge issues and hose damage, while enhancing operator safety and reducing the risk of breakage.
Implementation Method 1
the grounding member is configured so that the inner diameter of the coil part is expanded by the pinching operation of the pinch parts and restored by the release operation of the pinch parts due to the elastic forces of the pinch parts
Data Source
AI summary
An operator is enabled to easily identify the normal attachment direction of a ground clip and set the ground clip in a correct direction.Provided is a hose attachment structure in which a ground clip is attached over a grounded electroconductive pipe and a flexible hose inserted onto an outer face of the electroconductive pipe, wherein the ground clip includes a coil part that is attached to the outer face of the electroconductive pipe and an outer peripheral surface of the flexible hose and a pair of pinch parts that protrudes from both end parts in an axial direction of the coil part and faces each other, and one pinch part among the pair of pinch parts has an asymmetrically-shaped indicator part having directivity in the axial direction of the coil part.