Piping Fixture Locking Tab with Multi-Fold Elastic Deformation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional resin fixtures for piping on vehicles face durability issues due to material limitations, as they either deform excessively, reducing locking force, or inadequately secure the piping when the locking tab deforms minimally.
Innovation Solution
A resin fixture design featuring a locking tab with multiple folding sections that deform elastically about multiple fulcra, enhancing durability and locking force, and incorporating a guard and pillar to prevent excessive deformation and protect against external impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking tab deforms in a great magnitude, then the fixture can be installed onto the piping, but the durability is lowered because resin is used as material
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tab is divided into multiple sections with different folding capabilities. The first folding section has higher foldability to enable easy installation, while the second folding section has lower foldability to maintain durability and prevent excessive deformation. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the locking tab are given different local properties. The first folding section is designed with higher elasticity and foldability for installation purposes, while the second folding section is designed with lower foldability and higher strength for durability. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between ease of installation and durability.
2Reliability
If the locking tab deforms in a small magnitude, then the durability is maintained, but the fixture becomes likely to come off from vehicle body because locking force is small
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tab incorporates two folding sections with different mechanical properties. The first folding section provides the necessary deformation for installation, while the second folding section maintains structural integrity and provides sufficient locking force to prevent the fixture from coming off the vehicle body.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking tab functions as a composite structure with two folding sections having different foldability characteristics. This composite design allows the system to achieve both large overall deformation for installation and maintain high locking force through the stiffer second section, resolving the contradiction between locking force and durability.
3Ease of operation
If a resinous material with large fracture strain is used, then the locking tab can deform in great magnitude, but the degree of freedom in selecting material is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the locking tab into two folding sections with different properties, the design enables the use of conventional resin materials (with smaller fracture strain) while still achieving the necessary large overall deformation. The first folding section compensates for the lower fracture strain of conventional materials, expanding material selection freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The first folding section is designed with local properties that enhance foldability, allowing conventional resin materials to achieve the required deformation capability. This local enhancement enables the use of a broader range of resin materials without sacrificing installation ease.
4Ease of operation
If the locking tab is made with high foldability, then installation is easier, but the locking force exerted on vehicle body is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tab is segmented into two folding sections with differentiated properties. The first folding section has high foldability for easy installation, while the second folding section has lower foldability and higher stiffness to provide sufficient locking force on the vehicle body, resolving the contradiction between installation ease and locking force.
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 ensures secure fixation and durability by distributing deformation across multiple fulcra, maintaining a high locking force even with materials of lower fracture strain, while the guard and pillar enhance longevity and prevent excessive deformation.
Implementation Method 1
The locking tab is formed as a folding configuration folded twice or more, and further formed so as to be inclinable by elastic deformation about the end and the one or more folding sections serving as a fulcrum, respectively, thereby being locked up with the hole in the vehicle body.
Data Source
AI summary
A fixture for piping includes a fitting. The fitting includes a base, and a locking tab. The locking tab has an end fixed onto the base, and one or more folding sections. The locking tab is formed as a folding configuration folded twice or more, and is further formed so as to be inclinable by elastic deformation about the end and the one or more folding sections serving as a fulcrum, respectively, thereby being locked up with a hole in a vehicle body.