Snap-in Duct Saddle With Integrated Retention Clips
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of duct saddles on brackets in structures like aircraft, ships, and buildings is time-consuming due to the need for multiple fasteners, which increases costs and weight.
Innovation Solution
The duct saddles feature retention clips with tabs and retention bodies that snap into place on brackets, eliminating the need for fasteners by using retention straps to secure the ducts, allowing for quicker installation and reduced material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional fastener-based systems are used to attach duct saddles to brackets, then the attachment is secure and reliable, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and requires multiple fasteners which increases weight and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the fasteners from the attachment system by integrating retention clips directly into the duct saddle body. The retention clips with tabs and retention bodies provide secure attachment to the bracket without requiring separate fasteners, thus simplifying the device and reducing the number of components while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the retention function into the duct saddle body itself by integrating retention clips that extend from the body. These clips combine the functions of attachment and retention into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple fasteners are used to secure duct saddles, then the attachment is secure, but the weight and cost of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the separate fasteners from the system and replaces them with integrated retention clips that are part of the duct saddle body. This extraction of unnecessary components reduces the overall weight while maintaining secure attachment through the retention bodies that engage with the bracket.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent discards the traditional fastener-based attachment method and recovers the retention function through integrated clips that are molded into the duct saddle body. This eliminates the need for additional fasteners, reducing both weight and material usage while maintaining attachment security.
3Reliability
If multiple fasteners are used to attach duct saddles, then the attachment is secure, but the installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retention function with the duct saddle body through integrated retention clips, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and installed. This merging of functions simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces installation costs while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent discards the need for separate fasteners and recovers the attachment function through integrated clips that are part of the duct saddle body. This reduces material costs, manufacturing complexity, and installation time, thereby reducing overall costs while maintaining secure attachment.
4Reliability
If traditional fastener systems are used, then the attachment is reliable, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the time-consuming fastener installation steps from the process by integrating retention clips into the duct saddle body. The retention bodies can be directly inserted into the bracket without requiring separate fastener installation, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention clips and bodies are pre-integrated into the duct saddle body during manufacturing, so that during installation, the entire saddle with integrated retention features can be directly attached to the bracket in a single operation, eliminating the need for sequential fastener installation steps.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for securing a duct to a bracket or hanger using a duct saddle. The duct saddle includes a body that includes a first side and a second opposing side. The body includes a duct seating surface on the a first side. The duct saddle also includes a plurality of retention clips extending from the body. The retention clips include respective tabs extending over the second side of the body and spaced apart from the second side of the body. The tabs include respective retention surfaces facing the second side of the body. The duct saddle also includes retention bodies extending from the respective retention surfaces toward the second side of the body. The above-described duct saddles can be installed on brackets without the use of fasteners, such as bolts and nuts.