Pipe Clip Screw Retainer Preventing Axial Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe clips with screw pre-assembly retainers, such as plastic or rubber rings, are not secure enough to retain the screw in a fixed position, leading to potential loss and disruption of the hinge function due to inadequate fit with the screw shank.
Innovation Solution
A screw pre-assembly retainer with a base portion and a head embracing portion, attached to the first flange, securely captures the screw head to prevent axial movement and loss, while allowing tool access through a passage or slot, and is made of materials like plastics or rubber for injection molding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple ring (plastic or rubber) is used as a screw pre-assembly retainer, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability of screw retention deteriorates because the ring can inadvertently shift over the shank
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into two distinct functional parts: a base portion that attaches to the first flange and provides structural support, and a head embracing portion that specifically captures the screw head. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall reliability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
The head embracing portion acts as an intermediary element between the screw head and the base portion. It provides a dedicated capturing mechanism that prevents the screw from shifting, while the base portion serves as the intermediary connecting this capturing mechanism to the flange structure, ensuring stable retention
2Ease of operation
If the inner diameter of the ring is not well adapted to the diameter of the threaded shank, then the ease of operation is improved (screw can be inserted), but the reliability of position retention deteriorates (distance between flanges not retained)
Solution Approach 1:
The head embracing portion is designed with specific local geometric features that match the screw head dimensions. The embracing structure provides localized constraint points that securely hold the screw head at the correct position, ensuring both easy insertion and reliable position retention through precisely engineered contact surfaces
3Ease of operation
If the screw head is not retained near the first flange, then the ease of operation is improved (screw can move freely), but the hinge function deteriorates (proper hinge function lost)
Solution Approach 1:
The base portion is pre-attached to the first flange in a predetermined position, and the head embracing portion is pre-configured to capture the screw head at the correct location. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the screw is inserted, it is automatically held at the proper distance from the second flange, enabling the hinge function to operate correctly from the start
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~7
AI summary
A pipe clip (1) comprises a substantially annular metal pipe clip body. The pipe clip body having a first flange (4) and a second flange (5) opposing the first flange (4), and a tightening screw (6) to tighten said flanges (4, 5) towards each other. The pipe clip (1) includes a screw pre-assembly retainer (10) to retain the screw (6) relative to said first flange (4). The screw pre-assembly retainer (10) comprises a base portion (11) and at least one screw head embracing portion (12) attached to said base portion (11). The base portion (11) is connected to a lateral edge (4B, 4C) of the first flange (4). The head embracing portion (12) embraces at least a portion of the screw head (6B) so as to restrain axial movement of the screw head (6B) away from the first flange (4).