Resilient Support Clip That Converts Vibration Into Clamping Force

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support and spacer clips for elongate components in vehicles fail to effectively manage external forces, leading to potential displacement, damage, and loosening, thereby increasing maintenance costs and risks.

Innovation Solution

A support clip with resilient outer frame members and integrated spring elements that convert external forces into increased clamping force on tubular components, using lever action and fulcrum mechanisms to enhance grip and prevent displacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional clips are used to secure elongate components, then the components can be fixed in position, but the clips fail to effectively manage external forces during vehicle movement and vibrations, leading to displacement and loosening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring reliabilityVSAvoidexternal forces from vehicle movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support clip incorporates resilient outer frame members that can dynamically adapt to external forces during vehicle movement. The frame members are designed to flex and deform under load, allowing the clip to maintain its securing function while absorbing and distributing the harmful effects of vibrations and movements throughout the vehicle's operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring elements are positioned and configured to convert the harmful external forces (vibrations and impacts during vehicle movement) into beneficial clamping forces. When external forces are applied to the clip, they are transmitted through the lever action mechanism to increase the clamping force on the elongate components, thereby improving the securing reliability rather than compromising it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Strength

If spring elements are added to convert external forces into clamping force, then the grip on components is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping forceVSAvoidclip structure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support clip integrates multiple functions into a single unified structure. The outer frame members, spring elements, and lever action mechanism are combined into one cohesive clip assembly that simultaneously provides structural support, force conversion, and securement functions, rather than requiring separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient outer frame members serve multiple purposes: they provide the structural framework of the clip, act as force transmission elements to convey external forces to the spring elements, and function as the mounting interface for securing the clip to surfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the clip is designed to resist displacement under external forces, then the fixation is more secure, but the risk of slipping or moving out of engagement increases without proper force management

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation securityVSAvoidslipping and disengagement risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spring elements are positioned and configured to convert the harmful external forces (vibrations and impacts during vehicle movement) into beneficial clamping forces. When external forces are applied to the clip, they are transmitted through the lever action mechanism to increase the clamping force on the elongate components, thereby improving the securing reliability rather than compromising it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The support clip incorporates resilient outer frame members that can dynamically adapt to external forces during vehicle movement. The frame members are designed to flex and deform under load, allowing the clip to maintain its securing function while absorbing and distributing the harmful effects of vibrations and movements throughout the vehicle's operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 clip effectively stabilizes tubular components by increasing clamping force in response to external impacts, reducing the risk of displacement and damage, and ensuring secure fixation.

Implementation Method 1

a first and second spring member, each one operably coupled between a second end portion of a respective one of the first and second open-ended sleeve member and a respective one of the first and second lateral frame portions, adapted to resiliently urge the second end portion towards the first end portion upon engagement between the first and second lateral portions and the at least one external structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

A support clip with resilient outer frame members and integrated spring elements that convert external forces into increased clamping force on tubular components, using lever action and fulcrum mechanisms to enhance grip and prevent displacement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Implementation Method 3

The clip effectively stabilizes tubular components by increasing clamping force in response to external impacts, reducing the risk of displacement and damage, and ensuring secure fixation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12421989B2Support clip for elongated component(s)

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

AI summary

Disclosed is a support clip for two or more tubular components. The support clip having a first resilient outer frame member and at least one second resilient outer frame member. The first resilient outer frame member is coupled to a central support member that is adapted to resiliently engage an opposing surface of at least one external structure. The at least one second resilient outer frame member is coupled to the central support member opposite the first resilient outer frame member. First and second lateral frame portions are arranged laterally opposite each other about the central support member and adapted to resiliently engage an opposing surface of the at least one external structure. A first open-ended sleeve member and a second open-ended sleeve member are arranged between the first resilient outer frame member and a respective one of the first and second lateral frame portion. A first end portion is connected to the first resilient outer frame member and a second end portion is connected to a respective one of the first and second lateral frame portion. The first resilient outer frame member is adapted to resiliently urge the first end portion of each of the first and second open-ended sleeve members towards the second end portion upon engagement between the first resilient outer frame member and the at least one external structure.