Pipe Clip Swiveling Barrier for Secure Screw Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe clips with plastic retaining shoes face challenges in securely fastening screws due to the narrow slot design, which can lead to instability and improper engagement.
Innovation Solution
A pipe clip design featuring a swiveling barrier member that allows easy insertion of screws by biasing across the introduction portion and then blocking the slot once the screw has passed, utilizing a resilient hinge mechanism to ensure secure retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a narrow slot design is used in the retaining shoe, then screw retention is improved, but screw insertion difficulty increases and engagement stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier member is designed to be movable rather than fixed. It can swivel from a blocking position to an open position when force is applied by the screw shank, and then return to the blocking position using a resilient hinge mechanism. This dynamic behavior allows the slot to effectively change its opening size during different phases of screw engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier member is pre-positioned in the blocking configuration before screw insertion. This preliminary action of blocking the slot prevents accidental screw removal while maintaining the capability for controlled insertion through the swiveling mechanism when proper force is applied.
2Reliability
If a fixed barrier member is used across the slot, then screw retention is improved, but insertion resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier member transitions from a static blocking structure to a dynamic swiveling component. The resilient hinge allows the barrier to rotate outward when the screw shank applies force, significantly reducing insertion resistance. After the screw passes, the hinge automatically returns the barrier to its blocking position, maintaining retention without requiring high insertion force.
Solution Approach 2:
The effective opening size of the slot changes dynamically during screw insertion. When the barrier member swivels open, the slot opening increases to accommodate the screw shank with minimal resistance. Once the screw passes through, the barrier returns to block the slot, effectively changing the parameter of opening size based on the insertion stage.
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 swiveling barrier member facilitates easy screw insertion with low resistance and provides secure retention, preventing screw withdrawal, thus enhancing the stability and reliability of the pipe clip.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a resilient hinge mechanism to ensure secure retention
Data Source
Figure 1~7
Figure 8~11
Figure 12~14c
AI summary
A pipe clip (1) for fastening a pipe to a support surface comprises a substantially annular pipe clip body (2, 3) which in use surrounds the pipe to be fastened, including a first and a second flange (7, 8, 9, 10) which in use are pulled towards each other by means of a male fastening element (21) having a shank (21a) and a head (21b). The first flange is associated with a female fastening means (11, 12) via which the male fastening element is connected to the first flange. The second flange has a slot (14) which has an introduction opening (14a) in a lateral edge of the second flange to laterally receive the shank of the male fastening element. On the second flange a retainer element (16, 66, 76, 146) is arranged. The retainer element comprises at least one barrier member which (at least partly) blocks the introduction opening of the slot. The barrier member is adapted to swivel away when the shank of the male fastening element is pressed against it upon introduction of the shank into the slot and to block the introduction opening when the shank has been moved further into the slot.