Variable Routing Clamp Cushion Layout for Multi-Line Chafing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing routing clamps cause interfacial chafing and particle generation when securing multiple lines to moving devices, and they often have limited spatial compatibility, restricting their deployment in tight environments.
Innovation Solution
A variable routing clamp comprising a body, a flexible cushion with multiple through holes, and a cap, which applies inward pressure to secure lines while maintaining spatial separation between them, thus reducing chafing and particle generation, and allowing for use in tight spaces with a single clamp.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple lines are secured together in a single routing clamp, then the clamp can hold lines firmly, but interfacial chafing and particle generation occur due to lines rubbing together
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp body is divided into multiple independent clamping regions, each capable of securing a single line separately. This segmentation prevents lines from rubbing against each other while maintaining firm clamping force in each region, thereby eliminating interfacial chafing and particle generation.
Solution Approach 2:
Each clamping region is designed with specific local characteristics optimized for securing individual lines. The clamping surfaces and geometries are tailored to provide appropriate pressure distribution for each line type, ensuring strong holding force without causing lines to contact and chafe against neighboring lines.
2Area of stationary object
If a single routing clamp is used to secure multiple lines, then space is saved in tight environments, but the lines cannot maintain spatial separation leading to chafing
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates multiple independent clamping regions within a compact footprint. Each region is spatially separated and designed to secure one line independently, allowing multiple lines to be held in close proximity without physical contact between them, thus preventing chafing while minimizing the overall clamp area.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of clamping regions to maintain separation between lines. By organizing clamping zones in multiple dimensions within the clamp body, the design achieves adequate spatial separation for preventing line contact while keeping the clamp's external dimensions small enough for tight environments.
3Strength
If lines are secured tightly together, then clamping effectiveness is improved, but lines bend or kink restricting fluid or gas flow
Solution Approach 1:
Each clamping region independently secures a single line with appropriate tension, preventing excessive bending or kinking. The segmented design allows each line to maintain its natural curvature and flexibility while still being firmly held, ensuring that fluid or gas flow through the lines is not restricted.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping force and geometry in each region are locally optimized to provide secure holding without creating sharp bends. The clamping surfaces are designed to distribute pressure evenly and maintain the line's structural integrity, preventing kinks that would restrict flow while ensuring effective securing.
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations described herein relate to a variable routing clamp. In some implementations, a routing clamp may include a rigid body defining a channel. The routing clamp may include a flexible cushion that is configured to be inserted into the channel, where the flexible cushion includes two or more through holes extending through the flexible cushion that are configured to receive flexible lines, and where distances between the two or more through holes satisfy a threshold. The routing clamp may include a rigid cap that is configured to be fastened to the rigid body over an opening of the channel, where the rigid cap includes one or more lips that are configured to restrict movement of the flexible cushion after the flexible cushion is inserted into the channel.