Ground Clip Orientation Structure for Conductive Hose Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hose attachment structures require precise orientation of the grounding member, which is difficult to set correctly due to similar inner diameters on the metallic pipe and hose sides, leading to potential misalignment and deformation, thereby compromising electrical connection and hose integrity.
Innovation Solution
A ground clip with an asymmetrically-shaped indicator part on one pinch part provides directivity, ensuring correct orientation and preventing misalignment by distinguishing between the hose and pipe sides during attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the grounding member uses a coil part with similar inner diameters on both sides, then the structure is simple and compact, but the operator cannot easily recognize the correct attachment direction, leading to potential misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The coil part is designed with asymmetric inner diameters at its two ends, with one end having a larger inner diameter than the other. This asymmetry creates a clear directional indicator that allows the operator to easily recognize the correct attachment orientation (which end faces the hose and which end faces the metallic pipe), thereby eliminating the risk of reverse installation while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If the operator falsely sets the grounding member in reverse, then the large-diameter hose side faces the metallic pipe, but the grounding member cannot contact the outer face of the metallic pipe, resulting in floating state and loss of electrical connection
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric inner diameter design of the coil part serves as a mechanical guide that physically prevents reverse installation. The smaller inner diameter end is designed to face the metallic pipe for proper contact, while the larger inner diameter end faces the hose. This geometric constraint ensures that only the correct orientation allows proper contact between the grounding member and the metallic pipe, thereby guaranteeing reliable electrical connection.
3Ease of operation
If the operator forcibly attaches the coil part to the reinforcing member in reverse, then the coil part strongly contacts the valley parts of the spiral-shaped reinforcing member, causing twisting and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric inner diameter configuration creates a mechanical interlock relationship between the coil part and the spiral reinforcing member. When attached in the correct orientation, the coil part engages with the reinforcing member's valleys in a way that distributes stress evenly. Reverse attachment would cause concentrated stress at specific contact points, leading to twisting and deformation. The asymmetric design thus guides proper installation and prevents damaging forces.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the coil part excessively deforms with diameter expansion, then the hose may be damaged or deformed, but the grounding member needs to expand to attach to thick hoses
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric inner diameter design allows the coil part to expand differentially at each end during attachment. The end with the smaller inner diameter (facing the metallic pipe) provides a more constrained expansion path, while the end with the larger inner diameter (facing the hose) accommodates the expansion needed for thick hoses. This asymmetric expansion capability enables the grounding member to adapt to various hose thicknesses without causing excessive deformation or damage to the hose structure.
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 reliable electrical connection between the conductive pipe and hose, preventing misattachment and deformation, thus avoiding electrostatic discharge issues and hose damage.
Implementation Method 1
the coil part is attached to the outer face of the electroconductive pipe and an outer peripheral surface of the flexible hose... the coil part is brought into contact with both the electroconductive wire of the hose and the metallic pipe, and the electroconductive wire of the hose is electrically connected to the metallic pipe through the coil part
Implementation Method 2
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
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(c)
Figure 3
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.