Rotating Wall-Mount Tube Holder with Elastic Clamp

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing holding devices for tubes, such as fluid conduits and cable sheaths, require significant force to press-fit tubes into clamps, risking damage and necessitate simultaneous force application across multiple devices, which is inefficient and potentially damaging, especially for flexible or corrugated tubes.

Innovation Solution

A holding device with a rotating first body that inserts the tube into a cradle without applying force to the tube, allowing easy installation and release, and accommodating tubes of varying diameters with flexible flanges and hook-shaped arms, enabling secure fixation without damaging the tube.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If force is applied to press-fit the tube into the clamp, then the tube is securely held, but the tube may become damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure holdingVSAvoidtube damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of pushing the tube into the clamp, the clamp is rotated around the tube. The tube remains stationary while the clamp arms swing around and engage the tube from the front, eliminating the need to apply force to the tube itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The linear pressing motion is replaced by a rotational motion. The screw mechanism converts rotational motion into rotational movement of the clamp arms, which then engage the tube through their own elastic deformation rather than forcing the tube into position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If force is applied to press-fit the tube into multiple clamps simultaneously, then all tubes are secured, but the operation becomes complex and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation efficiencyVSAvoidsimultaneous force application
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Each clamp is equipped with an independent screw mechanism that can be operated separately. This allows each clamp to be adjusted and engaged independently, eliminating the need to apply force to multiple clamps simultaneously while maintaining efficient installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the clamp opening is made smaller to secure the tube, then the tube is held firmly, but the tube cannot be easily inserted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetube securingVSAvoidtube insertion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp arms are made elastically flexible so that they can dynamically adapt during the engagement process. When the screw is rotated, the arms swing around and elastically deform to engage the tube, then maintain a firm grip once engaged.

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 solution allows for easy, damage-free fixation of tubes to a wall with reduced force requirements, enabling secure holding of tubes of different diameters and irregular surfaces, and simplifies the installation process by rotating the clamp mechanism, eliminating the need for simultaneous force application across multiple devices.

Implementation Method 1

A force must be applied on the tube against the arms of the clamp to cause elastic deformation of said arms, allowing the tube to be press-fitted into the clamp

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a screw with a threaded head, a main body in which the open clamp is formed and a nut which is placed in a hole of the main body and which is screwed on the threaded head of the screw

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3564563B1Holding device which can be fixed to a wall for holding a tube
Publication Date: 2022.01.05 UNEX APARELLAJE ELECTRICO SL
  • EP3564563B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3564563B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3564563B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a holding device (1) which can be fixed to a wall for holding a tube and comprising a first body (6) forming an open clamp (4) and a second body (7) forming a through hole and a support surface. The first body (6) can rotate about an axis. The holding device (1) forms a cradle demarcating a free space corresponding to the tube and extending in a direction orthogonal to the axis. The cradle has a bottom and an open upper face (11) for inserting the tube. By means of rotation of the first body (6) about the axis, the opening of the open clamp (4) traverses the free space which was demarcated by the cradle before the rotation.