Spring-Loaded Conduit Retainer with Serrated Gripping Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accidental disconnection and loss of signal in conduits, such as medical lines, wires, and power cords, cause critical disruptions in various industries due to lack of a quick and reliable catch and release mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A flexible frame-based catch and release device with opposing arms and serrated gripping edges, capable of securely holding conduits and allowing for quick release, made from materials like polyethylene or nylon, which can be bent or 3D printed for adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional fixed clip or connector is used to hold conduits, then the conduit is securely held in place, but the device cannot quickly release or adapt to different conduit diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The clip structure transitions from a static fixed design to a dynamic spring-loaded design where the resilient body allows the gripping surfaces to move and adjust automatically based on conduit diameter, while maintaining secure holding through spring force
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping force and opening distance are variable parameters controlled by the spring constant and compression distance, allowing the same clip structure to adapt to different conduit diameters while maintaining reliable grip through parameter adjustment
2Adaptability or versatility
If a spring-loaded gripping mechanism is used to adapt to different conduit sizes, then adaptability is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is divided into functional segments: the resilient body providing spring force, the gripping surfaces for contact, and the opening/closing mechanism, allowing independent optimization of each component while maintaining overall simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism automatically adjusts to different conduit diameters without requiring external control or complex actuation systems, as the conduit itself compresses the spring to the appropriate degree
3Adaptability or versatility
If the clip is designed to be universally applicable to different conduit diameters, then versatility is improved, but the gripping precision for specific diameters may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping force is dynamically adjusted through spring compression, allowing the same mechanical structure to achieve precise gripping for different conduit diameters by varying the compression distance and resulting spring force
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
Prevents accidental disconnection and signal loss by securely gripping conduits through tapered serrated edges, ensuring reliable operation in medical, electronic, and other applications, and can be easily attached to movable or immovable objects.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient body of a spring-loaded clip
Implementation Method 2
tapered gripping edges directed toward the central portion
Data Source
AI summary
A retaining device is disclosed. The retaining device is made of suitable material formed in a frame having a central portion and two opposing arms spaced apart from the frame and in the plane thereof. The central portion being arranged so as to cause a conduit inserted through the cord slots between the central portion and the opposing arms to be urged substantially equally against the opposing arms. Each opposing arm provides a tapered gripping edge directed toward the central portion, wherein each gripping edges provides a plurality of serrations for further engaging the urged conduit.