U-Shaped Pipe Holder With Latching Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing guiding and holding devices for pipes, hoses, and cables are limited in their ability to accommodate objects of different diameters and require multiple components for customization, leading to instability and difficulty in variable use and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A guiding or holding device with spaced-apart retaining legs and safety brackets, allowing for detachable latching and secure coupling of receiving elements of varying diameters, along with optional holding and connecting elements for flexible configuration and secure attachment to surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used to accommodate different pipe diameters, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to accommodate different pipe diametersVSAvoidnumber of components required
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving element is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate pipes of different diameters through a single component. The U-shaped or C-shaped receiving element with its open configuration allows it to adapt to various pipe sizes without requiring multiple specialized components, thus achieving multi-functionality while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving element is divided into functional segments including the U-shaped body, retaining legs, and coupling sections. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while contributing to the overall adaptability of the device, enabling it to handle different pipe diameters through coordinated action of its segments rather than requiring entirely separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of repair

If detachable coupling is used for ease of maintenance, then ease of repair is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental disconnection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetachability for maintenanceVSAvoidstability of connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism employs a dynamic design where the retaining legs can be moved between a closed position for secure holding and an open position for easy removal. This dynamic capability allows the connection to be both reliable during operation (preventing accidental disconnection) and easily detachable when maintenance is needed, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining legs act as intermediary elements between the receiving element and the pipe. These legs provide a mechanical interface that ensures stable connection during normal operation while allowing controlled detachment for maintenance, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of reliability and ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If fixed configuration is used for stability, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of holding deviceVSAvoidcustomizable configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device incorporates dynamic elements such as movable retaining legs and detachable coupling sections that allow the fixed structure to adapt to different configurations. The legs can be positioned to accommodate various pipe diameters and the coupling sections can be assembled or disassembled to create different arrangements, enabling a single fixed-appearing structure to provide both stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3165803B1Guiding and retaining device for holding pipes, cables or hoses
Publication Date: 2018.12.19 FKB
  • EP3165803B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3165803B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3165803B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a guide or holding device with a U-shaped or C-shaped receiving element (1, 1/1 1/2) for receiving a pipe, hose, or cable, wherein the receiving element (1) has a coupling section (3) for detachable connection with other components. To create a guide or holding device whose components can be selectively connected to one another without the possibility of accidental disconnection, the invention provides that the coupling section (3) is arranged in a circumferential region of the receiving element (1) and has an outer mounting surface (4) in the area of ​​which coupling elements (20 or 24) are arranged, projecting beyond and into the mounting surface (4), by means of which the receiving element (1) can be selectively coupled to another receiving element (1), to a holding element, or to a connecting element.