Pipe Clip Curved Flange Resilient Body Screw Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe clips require separate components and complex mechanisms for securing screws, making them costly and difficult to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A pipe clip design featuring a curved first flange with a large radius of curvature and a resilient clip body that deforms to guide the screw head into a recess, eliminating the need for separate components and allowing for simpler and more cost-effective production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate components and complex mechanisms are used for securing screws, then the pipe clip can securely hold the tightening element, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the arresting mechanism directly into the first flange by curving it to form a guide face and recess, eliminating the need for separate arresting components. The flange itself performs multiple functions: structural support, screw guidance, and head arrestment, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining secure holding capability
Solution Approach 2:
The first flange is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, guides the screw head through its curved guide face, and arrests the head in its recess. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated arresting mechanisms, reducing both component count and manufacturing complexity
2Ease of operation
If separate components are used for the arresting mechanism, then the screw head can be properly guided and arrested, but the manufacturing cost and production complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide face and arresting recess are formed as integral parts of the first flange structure through curving, eliminating the need for separate arresting components. This integration simplifies manufacturing to a single stamping or forming operation rather than requiring assembly of multiple parts
Solution Approach 2:
The first flange is curved with a relatively large radius of curvature to form a guide face that naturally guides the screw head during insertion. The curved geometry provides the necessary guidance and arrestment functions through its shape alone, eliminating the need for additional guiding components and simplifying manufacturing
3Ease of operation
If the flange is open-ended, then the screw head can be inserted, but the flange strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The first flange is curved with a relatively large radius of curvature, creating a closed-loop structure that maintains structural strength while providing the necessary opening for screw head insertion. The curved geometry distributes stresses more effectively than an open-ended flange, preserving strength while enabling operation
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 enables a stronger and more economical pipe clip that can be manufactured without additional parts, with the clip body's deformability guiding the screw head into the recess, ensuring secure engagement and easy assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the clip body is configured resiliently, at least in proximity to the first end... the clip body is shaped and deformable in such a way that the head of the tightening element is able to slide along the flange
Implementation Method 2
when the head projects into the recess in the clip body, the clip body recoils, as a result of which the shank of the tightening element is received in the recess
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A pipe clip (1) for fastening a pipe to a wall, ceiling or another support comprises a clip body which can be attached around a pipe. Outwardly extending first and second flanges are formed integrally with the ends of the pipe clip. The head (14a) of a tightening element (14) engages with the first flange of the clip body and the shank of the tightening element engages with the second end. The first flange (4) is curved with a relatively large radius of curvature in such a way that the free end of the flange extends substantially in the radial direction and the other end of the first flange merges seamlessly in the tangential direction of the clip body (2). A recess is formed in the first flange (4) for the shank of the tightening element. There is formed in the clip body a recess (13) which adjoins the recess in the first flange and through which the head of the tightening element fits. The clip body is configured resiliently. When, during closing of the pipe clip, the head (14a) of the tightening element (14) is pressed against the side of the first flange that faces the second flange, the clip body is shaped and deformable in such a way that the head (14a) of the tightening element is able to slide along the flange in the direction of the recess in the clip body. When the head subsequently projects into the recess in the clip body, the clip body recoils, as a result of which the shank of the tightening element is received in the recess in the flange. The head of the tightening element then engages behind the edges of the recess in the first flange.