Wire Mounting Clip Geometry for Tool-Less Valve Actuator Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting solutions for actuator units on valve units, such as fork-shaped splints, are complex, expensive, and not suitable for reliable fixation, requiring improved designs for simpler and cost-effective attachment.
Innovation Solution
A novel mounting clip with specific geometric configurations and materials, allowing easy and secure fixation of actuator units to valve units using a monolithic metal wire, featuring parallel, U-shaped, and angled sections for tool-less assembly and disassembly with haptic feedback.
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 complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting clip is segmented into multiple functional sections: first sections for engaging grooves on the actuator unit, second sections for engaging recesses on the valve unit flange, and third sections connecting these elements. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently while collectively providing reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting clip replaces the expensive fork-shaped splint with a simpler, more cost-effective wire-based solution. The clip is designed to be easily manufactured from metal wire, reducing production costs while maintaining adequate fixation functionality for the application.
2Reliability
If a fork-shaped splint is used to fix the actuator unit on the valve unit, then the fixation is reliable, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting clip is designed as a simple wire-formed component that can be manufactured more cheaply than the fork-shaped splint. The single-piece wire construction reduces material costs and manufacturing complexity compared to the more complex splint design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameters of the mounting element from a rigid multi-component structure to a flexible wire-based structure. This parameter change enables simpler manufacturing processes and lower costs while maintaining the necessary mechanical properties for reliable fixation.
3Reliability
If a complex mounting element is used, then the fixation is secure, but the assembly process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting clip incorporates elastic sections that provide dynamic flexibility during assembly. The elastic third sections allow the clip to flex and adapt during installation, making it easier to engage with the grooves and recesses while still providing secure fixation once assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting clip is designed to be self-installing through its elastic deformation capabilities. The elastic sections automatically adjust during assembly, allowing the clip to engage with the grooves and recesses without requiring additional tools or complex assembly procedures, yet still providing secure fixation.
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 novel mounting clip provides a simple, reliable, and cost-effective solution for attaching actuator units to valve units, ensuring secure coupling and easy installation without tools, with haptic feedback indicating proper assembly.
Implementation Method 1
each of所述 third sections has a first subsections being bent, a second subsection being bent and a third subsection being straight or angled
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 (31) positioned in first level (32), wherein said first sections (31) are straight and run parallel to each other within said first level (32), and wherein said first sections (31) are configured to be inserted into grooves (25) provided at the shoulder (22) of the actuator unit. The mounting clip has a second section (33) positioned in a second level (34), wherein said second section (33) is U-shaped, and wherein said second section (33) is configured to be inserted into a recess (15) provided at the flange (12) of the valve unit. The mounting clip has third sections (35) extending between each of said first sections (31) and the second section (33), wherein each of said third sections (35) has a first sub-sections (35a) being bent, a second subsection (35b) being bent and a third subsection (35c) being straight or angled, wherein the first subsections (35a) of the third sections (35) extend between the first sections (31) and the third sub-sections (35c) of the third sections (35), wherein the second subsections (35b) of the third sections (35) extend between the second section (33) and the third sub-sections (35c) of the third sections (35). Fig. 1a