Monolithic Thermoplastic P-Clamp With Modular Cushion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing p-clamps made of metal are difficult to bend around longitudinal elements like wire bundles or tubing, and they lack a modular covering for easy grip and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A p-clamp designed with a combination of plastic and rubber components, featuring interlocking complementary tabs and a modular cushion for improved grip and flexibility, allowing for easy replacement and accommodation of various diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal is used for the p-clamp, then strength and sturdiness are improved, but flexibility and ease of bending are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The p-clamp combines plastic and rubber materials to achieve both strength and flexibility. The plastic body provides structural strength while the rubber cushioning layer provides flexibility and grip, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of bending.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a single-piece metal design is used, then structural integrity is improved, but adaptability and ease of fitting around different diameters are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The rubber cushioning layer acts as a flexible shell that can deform to accommodate different diameters of pipes or conduits, while the underlying plastic structure maintains structural integrity. This allows the clamp to adapt to various sizes while remaining structurally sound.
3Reliability
If metal clamps are used, then durability is improved, but grip quality and comfort are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The combination of plastic and rubber materials provides both durability from the plastic structure and improved grip quality from the rubber cushioning layer, resolving the contradiction between durability and grip quality.
4Reliability
If the entire clamp is replaced when the covering is damaged, then reliability is maintained, but waste of material and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is segmented into a reusable plastic body and a replaceable rubber cushioning layer. When the rubber covering is damaged, only the rubber layer needs to be replaced while the plastic body can be reused, reducing material waste and cost while maintaining reliability.
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
The plastic and rubber p-clamp provides a lightweight, sturdy, and flexible solution with enhanced grip capabilities, enabling secure clamping of various components while allowing for easy maintenance and geometry adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The internal face of the cushion is ribbed or grooved in order to compress more easily, form a better grip, and/or accommodate multiple diameters of mechanical components
Data Source
AI summary
A securing device for mechanical components that is comprised of the securing device is designed as a longitudinal plastic strip comprised of a first complementary tab and a second complementary tab. The first complementary tab and the second complementary tab interlock together and rest flush against one another in a manner that lines up the hole of the first complementary tab with the hole of the second complementary tab. The securing device may be surrounded by a cushion to improve the securing functionality of the device.