Polymeric Vibration Isolating Insert with Living Hinges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration isolating inserts for pipe clips are complex and labor-intensive to manufacture due to the need for metal reinforcing profiles with cutouts, which complicates the bending process.
Innovation Solution
A vibration isolating insert with a framework made of polymeric materials, featuring a profiled section element with lateral reinforcing members and living hinges, allowing the gripping formations to swivel and adjust to fit within the pipe clip body, while the softer elastomeric lining enhances isolation and grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal reinforcing profile with cutouts is used, then the insert provides structural strength, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the cutting operation from the manufacturing process by using a continuous polymeric framework without cutouts. The lateral reinforcing members are integrated directly into the extruded profile, eliminating the need for secondary cutting operations that complicate manufacturing while maintaining structural strength through the continuous material structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining a polymeric framework with elastomeric vibration isolating lining. This composite approach provides both the structural strength needed to withstand pipe forces and the vibration isolation functionality, while the polymeric material can be extruded continuously without the cutting operations required for metal profiles.
2Strength
If the framework is made rigid to withstand pipe forces, then structural strength is improved, but the insert becomes difficult to install in the pipe clip body
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates living hinges that allow the lateral reinforcing members to dynamically adjust during installation. These hinges enable the gripping formations to swivel outward, increasing the distance between them to facilitate easy insertion into the pipe clip body, while the overall framework maintains its rigidity to withstand pipe forces once installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The living hinges allow the insert to temporarily change its geometric parameters during installation by swiveling the lateral reinforcing members outward. This parameter change increases the opening distance between gripping formations, making installation easier, while the insert returns to its original rigid configuration to provide structural support after installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cutting operations are performed on the reinforcing profile, then the profile can be bent to fit, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the bending function into a separate mechanism (living hinges) rather than relying on cutouts in the main framework. The lateral reinforcing members are connected via living hinges that allow localized bending and swiveling, enabling the insert to adapt to the pipe clip body shape without requiring cutting operations on the continuous framework.
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 solution simplifies manufacturing, provides structural stiffness to withstand pipe forces, and improves vibration isolation and grip, allowing easy installation and secure fixation within the pipe clip body.
Implementation Method 1
at least one living hinge defining a pivot axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the insert and allowing at least one of the gripping formations to swivel around said pivot axis
Implementation Method 2
a vibration isolating lining made of a softer material different from the material of the framework
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration isolating insert for a pipe clip includes an elongate strip having a pipe facing side, which in use faces the outer surface of the pipe, and opposite thereto a pipe clip facing side, which in use faces an inner side of the pipe clip body. The vibration isolating insert includes gripping formations connected to the strip at lateral side portions and extending towards the pipe clip facing side and in use grip over the lateral edges of the pipe clip body. The vibration isolating insert includes a framework and a vibration isolating lining made of a softer material different from the material of the framework, where the framework is formed of a polymeric material. The framework includes a strip shaped web, that reinforces the elongate strip, and lateral reinforcing members connected to the web on either lateral side of the web and reinforcing the gripping formations.