Snap-Fit Pipe Clamp for Accurate Break Detection Wire Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamps for clamping break detection wires on fuel pipes are difficult to manufacture and install, leading to inaccurate positioning and increased risk of installation errors, which complicates integration into fuel distribution systems.
Innovation Solution
A clamp design featuring identical first and second clamping elements with male and female connection portions that snap together, allowing for easy assembly without tools, and a cooperation portion that ensures secure attachment to the pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clamp comprises several different clamping elements, then the clamp can provide adequate clamping function, but the manufacturing and installation become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into two identical half-clamps, each comprising a first clamping element and a second clamping element. Each half-clamp can be manufactured independently using the same mold, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the functional integrity of the complete clamp assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses identical copies of the clamping elements in both half-clamps. Each half-clamp contains a male connection portion and a female connection portion that are mirror images of each other, allowing for standardized manufacturing and easy assembly through simple alignment and connection.
2Reliability
If a clamp comprises several different clamping elements, then the clamp can provide adequate clamping function, but the installation becomes difficult and positioning accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is segmented into two identical half-clamps that can be prepared in advance and then quickly assembled on-site. This segmentation allows for pre-manufacturing quality control while enabling simple field installation through the male-female connection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The male connection portion and female connection portion are designed to self-align and self-secure when brought together. The identical geometry of the connection portions allows for intuitive alignment without requiring complex alignment procedures or specialized installation tools.
3Reliability
If a clamp comprises several different clamping elements, then the clamp can provide adequate clamping function, but the integration into fuel distribution systems becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp design with two identical half-clamps allows for modular integration into the fuel distribution system. Each half-clamp can be independently installed and inspected, simplifying the overall system integration process and facilitating easier maintenance and replacement if needed.
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 simplified clamp design facilitates easy manufacturing and installation, ensuring accurate positioning of the break detection wire on the fuel pipe, enhancing safety and reliability of the fuel distribution system.
Implementation Method 1
The male connection portion of each of the first and second clamping elements is configured to be snapped in the female connection portion of the other of the first and second clamping elements
Data Source
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AI summary
Clamp (28) for clamping a wire (30) on a pipe (24) comprises: - a first clamping element (32); and - a second clamping element (34); both the first (32) and second (34) clamping elements being identical, each of the first (32) and second (34) clamping elements comprising: - a male connection portion, defining a passage configured for receiving the wire (30); - a female connection portion, defining a lumen configured for receiving the male connection portion of the other of the first (32) and second (34) clamping elements; and - a cooperation portion, connecting the male and female connection portions and configured to cooperate with the pipe (24) to hold the clamp (28) on the pipe (24).