Resilient Fixing Apparatus with Deformable Inner Formations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing methods for securing articles to surfaces, such as cabling and pipework, are time-consuming due to the need for drilling and using screws or plugs, and existing clip solutions lack the ability to secure higher loads and wider diameter holes efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A fixing apparatus with resiliently biased elongate members that deform to engage with the surface, featuring inner formations and barbs to enhance pull-out resistance, allowing for efficient installation and secure retention without screws or plugs, and can be adapted for various diameters and loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fixing methods (screws and plugs) are used, then secure retention is achieved, but installation time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for separate plugs and screws by integrating their functions into a single resilient fixing device. The resilient body performs both the anchoring function (traditionally the plug's role) and the fastening function (traditionally the screw's role) through its elastic deformation and recovery characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple components (plug and screw) into a single integrated resilient fixing device. The resilient body combines the anchoring elements and fastening elements into one unit that performs both functions simultaneously, reducing the number of installation steps and components required.
2Productivity
If resilient clips are used to reduce installation time, then installation speed improves, but pull-out resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the key parameter of material properties by using resilient or elastic materials instead of rigid materials. This allows the fixing device to deform under insertion forces (enabling quick installation) and then recover to provide sustained retention forces (ensuring high pull-out resistance). The elastic modulus and resilience of the material are optimized to balance installation ease and retention strength.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed diameter fixings are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different hole diameters is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic characteristics to the fixing device through its resilient body that can elastically deform. This allows the same fixed-diameter manufactured component to adapt to varying hole diameters by deforming during insertion and then recovering to provide secure retention. The dynamic elastic deformation enables a single design to serve multiple hole size applications.
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 significantly reduces installation time and increases the pull-out resistance, enabling secure attachment of heavier loads and wider diameter fixtures, addressing the inefficiencies of existing methods while providing a versatile and efficient fixing solution.
Implementation Method 1
two elongate members extending from the coupling arrangement; the elongate members being resiliently biased towards a position in which they are spaced apart from one another
Implementation Method 2
each elongate member comprising a resiliently deformable inner formation, the inner formations extending toward an adjacent elongate member and positioned to engage therewith and resiliently deform, when the elongate members are brought together in use
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a fixing (1) for securing an article (21) to a surface (19). The fixing comprising a coupling arrangement (3) for coupling the fixing to an article such as cabling. Elongate members (5) extend from the coupling arrangement and are moved together to insert the fixing into a cavity (17), and spring apart to retain the fixing in the cavity. The elongate members have resiliently deformable inner formations (9). The inner formations engage with one another and resiliently deform when the elongate members are brought together, thereby increasing the pull resistance of the fixing. The inner formations are inwardly extending branches each presenting a ramped surface oriented towards the distal ends (8) of the respective elongate member, assisting in coupling an article to the fixing.