Snap-Fit Clamp Halves for Tool-Free Cable and Hose Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamps require tools to secure and release elongate objects, complicating the bundling and routing of cables and hoses, and often necessitate additional fasteners for installation.
Innovation Solution
A clamp design featuring interlocking halves with a snap-fit retention mechanism that allows for tool-free engagement and disengagement, enabling secure bundling and attachment to structures without separate fasteners, and a mechanical fastener for additional securing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional clamps are used to secure elongate objects, then the clamps can hold cables and hoses securely, but tools are required to secure and release the clamps, complicating the bundling and routing process
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into two separate halves that can be independently positioned around the elongate object. Each half clamp can be independently secured to the structure using separate fastening mechanisms, allowing for simplified installation where each half is secured independently rather than requiring complex tool-based assembly of a single unified clamp structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp half integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides the clamping surface for the elongate object, includes an integrated fastening mechanism for attachment to the structure, and incorporates retention features to hold the other clamp half. This merging eliminates the need for separate fasteners and reduces overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional clamps require additional fasteners for installation, then the clamps can be securely attached to structures, but the installation process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp halves are pre-configured with integrated fastening mechanisms and retention features during manufacturing. The retention mechanisms are pre-positioned to automatically engage with complementary features on the opposing clamp half, eliminating the need for sequential assembly of separate fasteners during installation and reducing installation time while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp half's integrated fastening mechanism is designed to self-secure to the structure through friction-fit or snap-fit connections that automatically engage when the clamp is positioned. The retention mechanism similarly self-engages with the opposing clamp half through complementary geometric features, eliminating the need for manual fastening operations and reducing installation time.
3Ease of operation
If tool-free engagement mechanism is used, then installation is simplified, but the fastening strength may be reduced compared to tool-based securement
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp half incorporates composite construction combining rigid structural components for strength with flexible elastomeric materials for the retention mechanism. The rigid portions provide the necessary fastening strength for secure attachment, while the flexible elastomeric retention features enable tool-free engagement through elastic deformation and friction-based holding, achieving both ease of operation and adequate strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism utilizes curved or rounded geometric features rather than sharp edges or rigid protrusions. The curved surfaces enable smooth engagement through elastic deformation, allowing tool-free operation while distributing forces evenly to maintain adequate fastening strength. The rounded geometry facilitates friction-based holding without requiring precise alignment or tool assistance.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2A
AI summary
A clamp (10) comprises first and second clamp halves (15, 20), each comprising an elongate object receiving portion (25, 30) and a portion of a clamp retention mechanism. The first and second elongate object receiving portions (25, 30) are sized and shaped to cooperatively hold an elongate object (5) at a desired position when the first and second clamp halves (15, 20) are fastened together. The first and second portions (40, 45) of the clamp retention mechanism (35) are sized and shaped to (a) engage each other when the first and second clamp halves (15, 20) are moved towards each other in a first direction, (b) fasten the first and second clamp halves (15, 20) together without requiring use of a tool to engage the retention mechanism (35), and (c) disengage from each other when the first and second clamp halves (15, 20) are moved away from each other in a direction orthogonal to the first direction to unfasten the first and second clamp halves (15, 20) without use of a tool.