Tube-Retaining Clip Assembly With Segmented Locking Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tube-retaining clip assemblies often lack sufficient clearance for easy installation and fail to securely retain tubes, leading to potential ejection of the tubes from the clips.
Innovation Solution
A clip assembly with a flexion joint connecting two tube cradles that pivot, featuring locking arms forming a triangular retainer upon tube insertion, which transfers forces to rigid lateral walls for secure retention, allowing for reduced insertion force and increased reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If known clips are used to secure tubes, then the tube retention structure is simple, but the clearance area for tube installation is insufficient and retention reliability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm is divided into multiple segments: a proximal segment connected to the outer periphery, a distal segment forming the tube pocket, and a hinge element connecting them. This segmentation allows the distal segment to flex independently during tube insertion, providing necessary clearance while maintaining structural integrity for reliable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arm transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one through the hinge element, enabling the distal segment to flex outwardly during tube insertion and then return to its original position to secure the tube. This dynamic behavior provides both installation clearance and retention reliability.
2Reliability
If known clips are used to secure tubes, then the device structure is simple, but the tube may eject from the clip
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm is divided into multiple segments: a proximal segment connected to the outer periphery, a distal segment forming the tube pocket, and a hinge element connecting them. This segmentation allows the distal segment to flex independently during tube insertion, providing necessary clearance while maintaining structural integrity for reliable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge element acts as an intermediary between the proximal and distal segments, allowing controlled flexing motion that enables tube insertion while maintaining the structural connection needed for secure retention. This intermediary component resolves the conflict between simplicity and security.
3Force
If rigid locking arms are used, then the retention force is strong, but the insertion force required is high
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one through the hinge element, enabling the distal segment to flex outwardly during tube insertion and then return to its original position to secure the tube. This dynamic behavior provides both installation clearance and retention reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal segment of the locking arm is designed as a flexible component that can bend outwardly during tube insertion. This flexibility reduces the force needed for insertion while the elastic recovery provides strong retention force, resolving the contradiction between insertion ease and retention strength.
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 clip assembly provides a robust and reliable retention force with decreased tube insertion force and reduced susceptibility to disengagement, while allowing for easier installation and accommodating various angles, resulting in a smaller and lighter design.
Implementation Method 1
the locking arms hingedly deform from an arcuate shape to a triangular shape
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A clip assembly (10) is configured to securely connect a tubular member to a structure. The clip assembly may include a base (12) connected to first and second lateral walls (14), and a tube cradle (20) connected to the base and the lateral walls. The tube cradle defines a tube-receiving channel configured to receive the tubular member. First and second tube-retaining locking arms (32) are configured to securely retain the tubular member within the tube-receiving channel. The first and second tube-retaining locking arms are configured to flex toward the first and second lateral walls respectively, as the tubular member is inserted into the tube-receiving channel The first and second tube-reining locking arms securely connect to the first and second lateral walls respectively, when the tubular member is received within the tube-receiving channel to securely retain the tubular member within the tube-receiving channel.