Spring Mounting Clip for Toolless Actuator-Valve Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assemblies for fixing an actuator unit on a valve unit require complex and expensive manufacturing processes, particularly using fork-shaped splints, which are not easily replaced by other mounting elements.
Innovation Solution
A novel mounting clip with straight, U-shaped, and angled sections made from a monolithic metal wire, allowing for easy and secure fixation of the actuator unit on the valve unit, featuring a spring-type design with preload for toolless mounting and dismounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fork-shaped splint is used to fix the actuator unit on the valve unit, then the fixation is reliable, but the manufacturing becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting clip is divided into multiple functional sections: first sections (straight) for insertion into grooves at the shoulder, second section (U-shaped) for insertion into recess at the flange, and third sections (angled) connecting them. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while simplifying overall manufacturing compared to a complex fork-shaped splint.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting element is changed from a rigid fork-shaped splint to a spring-type clip with elastic properties. This parameter change in material behavior allows the clip to be inserted and mounted without tools while maintaining reliable fixation through elastic preload, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of manufacture.
2Reliability
If a fork-shaped splint is used to fix the actuator unit on the valve unit, then the fixation is secure, but the mounting process requires tools and becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting clip is designed as a spring-type dynamic element that can be elastically deformed during insertion and then exerts continuous preload force to secure the actuator unit. This dynamic behavior enables toolless mounting while maintaining secure fixation, unlike static rigid splints that require tools for installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-type mounting clip is self-monting through its elastic properties. The clip naturally inserts into the grooves and recesses, and its elastic recovery provides automatic securing without requiring external tools or complex mounting procedures, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining fixation security.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a traditional mounting element is used to fix the actuator unit on the valve unit, then the connection is stable, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Changing from rigid traditional mounting elements to spring-type elastic clips reduces manufacturing complexity and cost. The elastic clips can be produced through simpler forming processes while maintaining connection stability through continuous preload, resolving the contradiction between stability and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting clip is designed as a simple, inexpensive elastic element that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. This approach prioritizes low manufacturing cost while maintaining adequate connection stability through the spring mechanism, aligning with the principle of using simpler, more economical mounting solutions.
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 solution provides a simple, reliable, and cost-effective attachment method with haptic feedback during installation, ensuring a secure coupling of the actuator and valve units without the need for tools.
Implementation Method 1
The mounting clip is spring-type and has a preload in assembly
Implementation Method 2
The mounting clip is spring-type and has a preload in assembly
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 2d~3a
AI summary
Mounting clip (30) to mount an actuator unit (20) to a valve unit (10), the valve unit having a valve unit housing (11) and a flange (12) formed at the valve unit housing (11), the actuator unit having an actuator unit housing (21) and a shoulder (22) formed at the actuator unit housing (21). The mounting clip has first sections positioned in first level, wherein said first sections are straight and run parallel to each other within said first level, and wherein said first sections are configured to be inserted into grooves (25) provided at the shoulder (22) of the actuator unit. The mounting clip has a second section positioned in a second level, wherein said second section is U-shaped, and wherein said second section is configured to be inserted into a recess (15) provided at the flange (12) of the valve unit. The mounting clip has third sections extending between each of said first sections and the second section, wherein each of said third sections has a first sub-sections being bent, a second subsection being bent and a third subsection being straight or angled, wherein the first subsections of the third sections extend between the first sections and the third sub-sections of the third sections, wherein the second subsections of the third sections extend between the second section and the third sub-sections of the third sections.