Pipe clamp spring nut segmentation for easy assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe clamps require high pressure force to push the tightening screw through the spring nut, making it difficult to assemble and disassemble.
Innovation Solution
A pipe clamp with a spring nut featuring a baseplate, resilient hinge parts, and connecting arms that allow for axial displacement of the tightening element with reduced force, enabling easier assembly and disassembly by hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional spring nut is used, then the tightening screw can be pushed through the spring nut, but a great pressure force is required making assembly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spring nut is divided into two separable halves (first and second spring nut halves) that can be independently positioned and manipulated. This segmentation allows the tightening element to be inserted more easily by distributing the spring pressure across two separate components rather than one continuous structure, reducing the force needed during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The first flange acts as an intermediary structure that provides lips to grip the tightening element and position it relative to the spring nut halves. The flange mediates the interaction between the tightening element and spring nut, enabling easier insertion by providing mechanical guidance and support during the assembly process.
2Ease of operation
If the spring nut halves are forced apart, then the tightening screw can pass through, but high force is required to separate the halves
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the spring nut into two halves connected by a hinge, the structure allows one half to be held stationary while the other is manipulated. This segmentation reduces the force needed to create separation during disassembly, as only one half needs to be moved against the spring pressure at any given time rather than forcing the entire structure apart.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge connection between the spring nut halves provides dynamic movement capability, allowing the halves to pivot relative to each other. This dynamic joint enables easier separation during disassembly by allowing progressive movement rather than requiring simultaneous force application across the entire spring nut structure.
3Ease of operation
If a hinge connection is used between spring nut halves, then easier manipulation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connection is integrated directly into the spring nut structure, merging the hinge function with the spring nut halves themselves rather than adding a separate external hinge mechanism. This integration reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the ease of manipulation benefits, as the hinge becomes an inherent part of the spring nut assembly rather than an additional component.
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 design reduces the force required to push the tightening element through the spring nut, making it easier to assemble and disassemble the pipe clamp compared to traditional spring nuts.
Implementation Method 1
the spring nut comprises a baseplate with a through-opening for the shank, as well as a set of resilient hinge parts and a set of connecting arms, in which the resilient lips of the first set are situated at a distance from the baseplate
Data Source
Figure 1~6
Figure 7A
Figure 7B
AI summary
The invention relates to a pipe clamp (1) for attaching a duct (50) to a base surface. The pipe clamp comprises a clamp body (2) with an aperture (6) for arranging the pipe clamp around the duct, a tightening element (18) for keeping the ends (11,12) of the clamp together, and a spring nut (30) arranged on the second end of the clamp body and provided with a set of resilient lips (33a,33b) with free ends facing one another, for engaging on the tightening element (18). The spring nut (30) is designed such that the tightening element (18) can be pushed relatively far into the spring nut during closure of the pipe clamp and that pulling the tightening element out of the spring nut is prevented. The spring nut comprises a baseplate (31) with a through-opening (32) for the shank (20), as well as a set of resilient hinge parts (36a,36b) and a set of connecting arms (35a,35b). The resilient lips are situated at a distance from the baseplate and, on the end situated opposite the free end, each is connected to an associated connecting arm which extends substantially transversely to the resilient lip. The connecting arm is in turn connected to the baseplate by means of an associated hinge part.