Snap-Fit Retainer for Metal Stud Wire Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of grommets in metal studs for routing conduits and wires is a time-consuming process due to the need for screw securing, which is inefficient in new construction or remodeling.

Innovation Solution

A plastic retainer with snap-fit outer retaining portions and flexible inner retention members that securely attach to metal studs, allowing quick installation and retention of conduits or wires without screws.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If grommets are secured with screws in metal studs, then the conduit or wire is securely retained, but the installation process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure retention of conduitVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the screw-securing mechanical system with a snap-fit retention system. The retainer includes a body with a retention opening that receives the conduit, and outer retaining portions with grooves that snap-fit onto the metal stud edges. This substitution eliminates the need for screws and screwdrivers, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining secure retention through the elastic engagement of the snap-fit grooves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If a retainer is designed for quick installation without screws, then installation time is reduced, but the secure retention of conduit may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidconduit retention security

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs curved elastic arms as retention members within the retainer body. These flexible arms are biased in a first direction to engage the conduit, and can flex in a second direction to accommodate conduit installation and removal. The elastic curvature provides continuous contact force on the conduit, ensuring secure retention without requiring screws, thus maintaining both productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer utilizes elastic deformation as a key parameter change mechanism. The outer retaining portions are designed with elastic properties that allow them to deform during snap-fit engagement with the metal stud, then maintain a constant engagement force. Similarly, the internal retention members use elastic bias to maintain continuous contact with the conduit. This dynamic parameter change ensures secure retention while enabling quick installation and removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple retention members are added to secure various conduits, then the retainer becomes more versatile, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconduit size accommodationVSAvoidretainer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the retainer body with a single retention opening that can accommodate conduits of various sizes through the use of flexible retention members. The elastic arms can adjust their engagement force and position to suit different conduit diameters, eliminating the need for multiple retainers for different conduit sizes. This universal design maintains versatility while avoiding the complexity of multiple specialized retention mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The retention members are designed as dynamic, flexible elements rather than fixed rigid structures. The elastic arms can bend and adjust their position to accommodate different conduit sizes and shapes. This dynamic adaptability allows a single retainer design to handle various conduit types without requiring multiple static retention mechanisms, thus maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.

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 retainer provides a rapid and secure method to attach conduits or wires to metal studs, reducing installation time and maintaining secure hold for various sizes, while being inexpensive and easy to install.

Implementation Method 1

Each retention member includes a flexible arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Each outer retaining portion includes a groove for receiving an edge of a panel of the metal stud, such as via a snap-fit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastener: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS11047511B2Water pipe retainer

Publication Date: 2021.06.29 THE DANIELLE M ALLOR LIVING TRUST DATED AUGUST 19 1997

AI summary

A retainer for securing conduit or wire to an opening in metal stud includes a pair of outer retaining portions for securing the retainer to the metal stud. Each outer retaining portion includes a groove for receiving an edge of a panel of the metal stud. An inner retaining portion includes a base connecting the pair of outer retaining portions to one another. The inner retaining portion further includes a pair of retention members defining a retention area therebetween in which a conduit can be secured. Each retention member includes a flexible arm. Each of the outer retaining portions extends away from the base to a free end.