Vibration-Proof Clamp With Rotating Clip For Pipe Fixation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamps used to attach pipes to vehicle bodies, such as air-conditioner or fuel pipes, face challenges in simplifying assembly operations and enhancing fixation ability.

Innovation Solution

A vibration-proof clamp design featuring a clamp main body with a mounting hole, a vibration-proof member with a coaxial fitting hole and concave groove, and a clip with a cylindrical neck, fixation rib, and retractable elastic claw, allowing for simplified assembly and enhanced fixation through relative rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional clamp assembly with T-shaped rib and long holes is used, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but the assembly operation is complex and fixation ability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly operationVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp is divided into three separate components: clamp main body, vibration-proof member, and clip. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while simplifying the overall assembly process. The clamp main body provides structural support, the vibration-proof member absorbs vibrations, and the clip provides secure attachment, eliminating the need for complex integrated designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration-proof member is nested within the mounting hole of the clamp main body, and the clip is nested within the vibration-proof member. This nested arrangement allows the components to be compactly integrated while maintaining simple individual structures. The clipping mechanism fits inside the vibration-proof member which itself fits inside the clamp main body, creating a space-efficient assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a traditional clamp without vibration-proof member is used, then the structure is simpler, but the fixation ability and vibration resistance are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation abilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration-proof member acts as an intermediary component between the clamp main body and the clip. It serves multiple functions: providing a mounting interface for the clip, absorbing vibrations transmitted through the pipe, and maintaining the structural integrity of the assembly. This intermediary element enhances reliability without requiring fundamental redesign of the clamp system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration-proof member changes the physical parameters of the clamp assembly by introducing elastic properties and vibration-damping characteristics. The elastic claws of the clip interact with the vibration-proof member to create a compliant connection that can accommodate thermal expansion and vibration while maintaining secure fixation, thereby improving reliability through parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the elastic claw is always extended outward, then the clip provides maximum gripping force, but the assembly operation becomes difficult and damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly operationVSAvoidgripping force
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic claw is designed to be dynamically retractable rather than statically fixed in an extended position. During assembly, the claw retracts inward to allow the clip to be inserted into the vibration-proof member without damage. Once assembled, the elastic nature of the claw allows it to extend outward to provide gripping force on the pipe. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between ease of assembly and maintenance of gripping strength.

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 design simplifies assembly operations and improves fixation ability, providing a secure attachment while preventing vibration transmission, thus enhancing the overall assembly state and vibration-proof performance.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic claw projected on an outer peripheral face of the neck portion and formed to be retractable inward in a radial direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the elastic claw fits into the concave groove

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical locking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

vibration-proof member mounted in the mounting hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2772672B1Vibration-proof clamp
Publication Date: 2017.06.21 NIFCO INC
  • EP2772672B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2772672B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2772672B1 patent drawingFigure 3-1~3-3

AI summary

A vibration-proof clamp includes a clamp main body with a holding portion for holding a pipe material, and having a mounting hole therein; a vibration-proof member mounted in the mounting hole, and having therein a fitting hole with a hole shaft corresponding to the mounting hole, and a concave groove provided by notching a peripheral edge of the fitting hole; and a clip including a cylindrical neck portion inserted into the fitting hole, a fixation rib inserted through the concave groove, and an elastic claw projected on an outer peripheral face of the neck portion and retractable inward in a radial direction. The neck portion is inserted into the fitting hole, the elastic claw retracts in a radial direction, and the fixation rib passes through the concave groove, then, the clip is relatively rotated relative to the vibration-proof member, so that the elastic claw fits into the concave groove.