Integrated Tube Bracket Structure for Secure Clip Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air handling unit assembly designs are time-consuming and costly to manufacture, prone to supply shortages, limited in installation scenarios, and suffer from bolt or nut loosening issues, which affect the security of clip engagement.
Innovation Solution
A bracket design featuring a first clip, a second clip, and a third clip, where the second clip spans between the first and third clips, allowing simultaneous engagement of two tubular members by the first and third clips, respectively, enhancing manufacturing efficiency, reducing component count, and improving installation flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate clips and fasteners are used to secure tubular members, then the engagement security is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate clips and fasteners into a single integrated bracket assembly. The bracket includes a first clip with first and second fingers, a second clip with third and fourth fingers, and a fifth finger that spans between the first and second fingers, all formed as one piece. This merging eliminates the need for separate fasteners and multiple discrete clips, reducing component count while maintaining secure engagement of tubular members through the integrated finger structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs multiple engagement functions. The first clip engages a first tubular member, the second clip engages a second tubular member, and the spanning finger provides additional structural support and alignment. This single bracket assembly replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate fastening components, reducing complexity while achieving reliable engagement of multiple tubular members.
2Reliability
If multiple separate clips and fasteners are used to secure tubular members, then the engagement security is improved, but the manufacturing time and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate clips and fasteners into a single integrated bracket assembly. The bracket includes a first clip with first and second fingers, a second clip with third and fourth fingers, and a fifth finger that spans between the first and second fingers, all formed as one piece. This merging eliminates the need for separate fasteners and multiple discrete clips, reducing component count while maintaining secure engagement of tubular members through the integrated finger structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is pre-formed as an integrated assembly with all clips and spanning fingers already in their correct positions and orientations. This preliminary formation of the complete bracket structure eliminates the need for on-site assembly of multiple separate components, significantly reducing manufacturing time and labor while ensuring proper engagement geometry is maintained.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple clip design is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the installation flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs multiple engagement functions. The first clip engages a first tubular member, the second clip engages a second tubular member, and the spanning finger provides additional structural support and alignment. This single bracket assembly replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate fastening components, reducing complexity while achieving reliable engagement of multiple tubular members.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket incorporates flexible finger elements that can adapt to different tubular member configurations. The first and second fingers of the first clip, the third and fourth fingers of the second clip, and the spanning fifth finger are designed with appropriate flexibility to accommodate variations in tubular member size, position, and orientation, enabling the same bracket design to be used across multiple installation scenarios.
4Strength
If traditional fasteners are used, then the connection strength is improved, but the risk of loosening over time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate clips and fasteners into a single integrated bracket assembly. The bracket includes a first clip with first and second fingers, a second clip with third and fourth fingers, and a fifth finger that spans between the first and second fingers, all formed as one piece. This merging eliminates the need for separate fasteners and multiple discrete clips, reducing component count while maintaining secure engagement of tubular members through the integrated finger structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated bracket design eliminates the need for separate fasteners that would require maintenance and tightening over time. The monolithic construction with interlocking fingers provides inherent stability and resistance to loosening, as there are no separate fastening components that can independently back out or require periodic adjustment. The structure serves itself by maintaining engagement through its integrated geometry rather than relying on separate fasteners.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure enables various brackets and methods of manufacture and use thereof. For example, a bracket may have a first clip, a second clip, and a third clip, where the second clip spans between the first clip and the third clip to enable the bracket to be capable of simultaneously engaging (e.g., holding, clamping) a first tubular member (e.g., a tube, a socket, a bulb) by the first clip and the third clip and a second tubular member (e.g., a tube, a socket, a bulb) by the second clip as the first tubular member extends along the second tubular member.