Wrap Bracket Damper Assembly Anti-Rotation Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp technologies for securing tubes, pipes, hoses, ducts, lines, and cables lack effective solutions for secure and flexible attachment to surfaces, often resulting in improper alignment and rotation, and do not provide a reliable snap-fit mechanism for easy assembly and deformation for secure retention.
Innovation Solution
A wrap bracket assembly with a molded grommet and bracket system that includes axially spaced side edges, flanges, and oblong projections to securely wrap around elongated members, utilizing a snap-fit mechanism and deformation for secure attachment, and featuring toothed or channeled designs for enhanced retention and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional clamp is used to secure tubes and pipes, then the attachment is simple, but the alignment and rotation control are improper
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates an oblong projection with a specific asymmetric geometry that fits into a corresponding slot on the bracket. This asymmetric design prevents rotation of the clamp around the tube while maintaining simple assembly through the snap-fit mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The grommet serves as an intermediary component between the clamp and the bracket. It provides a snap-fit connection that simplifies assembly while the integrated oblong projection acts as a mediator to prevent rotation, combining alignment and retention functions in one component.
2Reliability
If a secure retention mechanism is implemented, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the assembly ease is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet is pre-formed with an oblong projection during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows the component to be simply snapped into the bracket's slot, providing secure retention without requiring complex assembly operations like threading or fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-fit mechanism with the oblong projection and slot creates a self-aligning and self-retaining connection. The geometry of the projection automatically guides the clamp into the correct position and maintains secure attachment without requiring additional fasteners or complex assembly steps.
3Manufacturing precision
If rotation prevention is added to the clamp, then the alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oblong projection has a specific asymmetric shape with a long axis and short axis that fits into a corresponding slot. This asymmetric geometry provides precise alignment and prevents rotation in one direction while maintaining a relatively simple overall clamp structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation prevention feature is merged with the retention mechanism by integrating the oblong projection directly into the grommet body. This combines alignment and anti-rotation functions into a single structural element rather than adding separate components.
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 secure, flexible, and easy-to-assemble clamp system that prevents rotation and ensures proper alignment, maintaining secure attachment through deformation and interference fits, suitable for various applications including automotive components.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a snap-fit mechanism and deformation for secure attachment
Data Source
AI summary
A wrap bracket assembly is provided for securing an elongated member. The assembly includes a bracket with a clamp extending from a base to wrap around the elongated member. The clamp defines an aperture, and includes side edges that extend around the elongated member. The assembly also includes a grommet forming a split tubular body that defines a substantially cylindrical cavity. The body has an axially extending opening through which the elongated member is inserted into the cavity. The body includes a pair of flanges, each of which engages one of the first and second side edges to nest the grommet within the clamp. A projection is provided that extends radially outward from the body and is received in the aperture to circumferentially align the grommet with the bracket.