Spring-Elastic Installation Clip for Fast Profile Rail Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing installation methods for media lines in laboratory rooms are labor-intensive and time-consuming, making it difficult to efficiently lay and adapt media lines to changing needs.
Innovation Solution
An installation clamp with movable jaws that form a positive connection with a C-shaped profile rail, allowing for tool-free and rapid insertion, featuring a C-shaped or L-shaped design with resilient properties and bent corners for secure clamping, enabling easy installation and adaptation of media lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pipe clamps with hammer-head screws are used, then the media line can be securely attached to the profile rail, but the installation process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into two separate jaws that can be independently inserted into the profile rail recess. Each jaw has its own C-shaped section that forms a positive connection with the rail, allowing the clamp to be installed in two stages: first securing the jaws to the rail, then closing the jaws around the media line. This segmentation eliminates the need for pre-assembly and complex fastening mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient jaws automatically clamp onto the media line once inserted into the profile rail. The elasticity of the jaws provides self-clamping force without requiring additional fasteners, screws, or tools. The jaws are designed to be resilient so that they can be inserted in an open state and then automatically close to secure the media line, making the installation process self-service and tool-free.
2Reliability
If series clamps with multiple components are used, then the media line can be firmly clamped, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp merges the functions of multiple components into a single integrated structure. The two jaws, connecting section, and C-shaped sections are all part of one clamp body, eliminating the need for separate plates, counters, and fasteners found in series clamps. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining firm clamping through the resilient nature of the jaws and the positive connection of the C-shaped sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is designed with universal applicability to different media line sizes and installation orientations. The C-shaped sections with positive connections allow the clamp to be universally installed on profile rails, while the resilient jaws can accommodate various diameters of media lines. The clamp can be used in both horizontal and vertical installations, providing multi-functionality that reduces the need for different clamp types for different applications.
3Ease of operation
If the jaws are designed to be resilient, then the clamp can be inserted tool-free and quickly, but the clamping force must be sufficient to prevent movement
Solution Approach 1:
The C-shaped sections are designed to form a positive connection with the profile rail recess before the jaws are fully closed around the media line. This preliminary action secures the clamp to the rail, preventing any movement or dislodgement. The resilient jaws are then closed to provide the clamping force on the media line, knowing that the clamp is already firmly attached to the rail structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilience of the jaws allows for parameter changes in their shape and position during installation. The jaws can be deformed to an open state for easy insertion, then return to their original closed state to provide clamping force. The degree of resilience is carefully controlled to ensure that the jaws provide sufficient clamping force while maintaining the ability to be inserted tool-free. The material properties and geometric design of the jaws are optimized to achieve the right balance between ease of insertion and clamping stability.
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 clamp facilitates quicker and more efficient installation of media lines, preventing movement within the profile rail and allowing for multi-level layouts, while being suitable for both horizontal and vertical installations, and providing electrical grounding and fire protection.
Implementation Method 1
the jaws are designed to be resilient, so that the sections of the two jaws are held in place by clamping after insertion into the profile recess
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to an installation clamp 10 for insertion into a profile 3 having a recess, for routing media lines 1, 2 in a laboratory room, comprising two jaws 12, 14 movable relative to each other, each having a first end 12y, 14y and a free second end 12x, 14x, wherein the jaws 12, 14 are connected to each other at their first ends 12y, 14y. A section 12b, 12c; 14b, 14c in the region of the second end 12x, 14x of each jaw 12, 14 is designed such that both sections can engage at least partially with the recess of the rail 3. The invention is characterized in that the jaws 12, 14 are designed to be spring-elastic such that the sections 12b, 12c; 14b, 14c of the two jaws 12, 14 are held clamping in the recess after being inserted into the recess of the profile 3.