GB2588632A

GB2588632A - Splint plate assemblies

Info

Publication number: GB2588632A
Application number: GB1915697.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Byrne Robert
Original assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2019-10-29
Filing date: 2019-10-29
Publication date: 2021-05-05
Also published as: GB201915697D0

Abstract

A splint assembly for supporting a bend in a flexible tube 20, the splint assembly comprising: a splint plate 110 comprising a rigid plate having a first end and a second end; and first 120 and second 130 clamps for clamping the splint plate against the flexible tube 20, wherein the first and second clamps are movable along the splint plate between the first and second ends of the splint plate. The splint assembly 100 is for supporting the bend 26 in the flexible tube and thereby securing the position of the flexible tube within a vehicle assembly, e.g. relative to the first and third components 10, 30. The splint assembly may resist deflections of the flexible tube. It may also secure the position of the second component within the vehicle assembly, e.g. relative to the first and third components. Aspects include: the splint plate being arcuate and shaped to contact the flexible tube in a plane perpendicular to an axis about which the flexible tube is bent; one or both of the first and second clamps are slidably mountable on the splint plate.

Description

Splint plate assemblies

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to splint plate assemblies for supporting flexible tubes and is particularly, although not exclusively, concerned with splint plate assemblies for improving the packaging of flexible tubes within vehicle assemblies.

Background

Assemblies for vehicles, such as motor vehicles often comprise flexible tubes extending between two or more components of the vehicle assembly. Packaging space for vehicle assemblies is typically limited and it is often desirable for flexible tubes to be arranged to extend through tight bends within the space available.

Statements of Invention

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a splint assembly for supporting a bend in a flexible tube, the splint assembly comprising: a splint plate having a first end and a second end; and first and second clamps for clamping the splint plate against the flexible tube, e.g. for coupling the splint plate to the flexible tube at the first and second ends of the splint plate respectively, wherein the first and second clamps are movable along the splint plate between the first and second ends of the splint plate. The first and second clamps may be coupled to the splint plate, such that the first and second clamps are movable, e.g. slidable, along the splint plate between the first and second ends.

The splint plate may be a substantially rigid plate. The splint plate may be predominantly planar. In particular, the splint plate may predominantly be formed in a flat plane, e.g. parallel with or tangent to an outer surface of the flexible tube, or a curved plane extending around, e.g. corresponding to a shape of, the outer surface of the flexible tube, when the splint assembly is arranged to support the bend in the flexible tube. The splint plate may be shaped to contact the flexible tube at least in a plane, e.g. a flat plane, perpendicular to an axis about which the flexible tube is bend.

The splint plate may comprise an arcuate portion extending around the axis about which the flexible tube is bent. The arcuate shape of the splint plate, or portion thereof, may correspond to the shape of bend in the tube to be supported by the splint assembly, e.g. when viewed in a direction parallel with the axis about which the flexible tube is bent.

The splint plate may comprise a first clamping portion. The first and second clamps may be to clamp the splint plate against the flexible tube when the respective clamps are aligned with the first clamping portion. The splint plate may comprise a first non-clamping portion. The splint plate and the first and second clamps may be configured such that the clamps do not clamp against the flexible tube when the respective clamps are aligned with the first non-clamping portion.

For example, a width of the non-clamping portion of the splint plate, e.g. in a direction across a diameter of the flexible tube (when provided), may be greater than the width of a clamping portion of the splint plate. The first and second clamps may be prevented from closing so as to clamp against the flexible tube, when aligned with the first non-clamping portion, due to the width of the non-clamping portion of the splint plate. Additionally or alternatively, the non-clamping portion of the splint plate may comprise a portion of the plate having a greater thickness, e.g. in a direction parallel with the axis about which the flexible tube is bent than the clamping portion. Additionally or alternatively again, the non-clamping portion of the splint plate may comprise a portion of the plate that is displaced relative to the clamping portion of the splint plate, e.g. in a direction parallel with the axis about which the flexible tube is bent and/or away from a centreline of the flexible tube. In this way, the first and second clamps may be prevented from closing against the flexible tube, when aligned with the first non-clamping portion The first clamping portion may be closer to the first end of the splint plate than the second end. For example, the first clamping portion may be at the first end of the splint plate. The first clamping portion may be arranged between first non-clamping portion and the first end of the splint plate. The first non-clamping portion may be arranged adjacent to the first clamping portion along the length of the splint plate.

The splint plate may comprise a second clamping portion. The first and second clamps may be to clamp the splint plate against the flexible tube when the one or more of the clamps are aligned with the second clamping portion. The second clamping portion may be closer to the second end of the splint plate than the first end. For example, the second clamping portion may be at the second end.

The splint plate may comprise a second non-clamping portion. The splint plate and the first and second clamps may be configured such that the clamps do not clamp the splint plate against the flexible tube when the respective clamps are aligned with the second non-clamping portion. The second clamping portion may be arranged between the second end and the second non-clamping portion.

The assembly may comprise a further splint plate. The further splint plate may be to be arranged on an opposite side of the flexible tube from the splint plate. The first and second clamps may be to clamp the further splint plate against the flexible tube in order to support the bend of the tube. For example, the first and second clamps may be to clamp the flexible tube between the splint plate and the further splint plate.

One or both of the first and second clamps may be slidably mountable on the splint plate and/or the further splint plate, e.g. for movement between the first and second ends. For example, the first and second clamps may be slidable along the splint plate between the clamping and non-clamping portions.

The first and second clamps may comprise resiliently deformable rings, e.g. split rings. The rings may be deformable in order to increase an inside diameter and the rings. The resilience of the rings may act to restore the diameter of the rings to a predetermined diameter, e.g. so that the clamps clamp against the splint plate, further splint plate and/or flexible tube. For example, the first and second clamps may comprise spring band clamps.

The first and/or second clamps may be for coupling the tube to components at one or more ends of the tube. For example, the clamps may be for clamping ends of the tubes around spigots formed on one or more components, e.g. that the tube extends between.

The assembly may further comprise a sheath extending between the first and second clamps. The sheath may be configured to substantially surround the flexible tube when the splint assembly is arranged to support the bend in the flexible tube, e.g. along a length of the splint plate between the first and second clamps. The sleeve may be flexible, such that the sleeve is able to conform to the shape, e.g. curvature, of the portion of the flexible tube arranged inside of the sleeve, e.g. between the first and second clamps.

The sheath may be configured such that an inside diameter of the sheath varies as the length of the sheath is varied. The sheath may be configured such that the inside diameter of the sheath is less than or equal to an inside diameter of the clamps or an outside diameter of the flexible tube when the first and second clamps are aligned with the first clamping portion and second clamping portion of the splint plate respectively, e.g. when the first and second clamps are arranged to clamp against the splint plate and/or the flexible tube. The sheath may comprise a woven mesh, e.g. formed from metal wires.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a splint assembly for a flexible tube, comprising: a rigid guide portion extending between a first end and a second end, first and second clamps configured to secure the guide portion to the flexible tube, first and second clamps configured for slideable movement along the guide portion, e.g. between the first and second ends.

The splint plate may comprise portions that hold the clamp in an open position. The splint assembly may comprise a flexible sleeve connected between the first and second clamps. The flexible sleeve may be configured to form a covering over the flexible tube when the assembly is installed to support a bend in the flexible tube.

A vehicle assembly may comprise a flexible tube; and the above-mentioned splint assembly. The splint assembly may arranged to support, e.g. resist bending or deflections of, a bend in the flexible tube.

The flexible tube may comprise a preformed bend having a bend radius, e.g. between an axis about which the flexible tube is bent and a centre line of the flexible tube. The splint assembly may be configured to support a bend in the flexible tube having radius equal to the bend radius of the preformed bend or less than the bend radius of the preformed bend. For example, a radius of curvature of the arcuate shape of the splint plate, or portion thereof, and optionally the further splint plate, or portion thereof, may be less than a radius of the preformed bend.

The vehicle assembly may further comprise a sensor coupled to an end of the flexible tube. The sensor may be free from support brackets for supporting the position of the sensor, e.g. relative to a further component of the vehicle assembly, other than the splint assembly.

The assembly may comprise a further vehicle component. The flexible tube may be supported away from the further vehicle component by the splint plate. In other words, the splint plate may be configured to resist movements of the flexible tube, and optionally the sensor, towards the further vehicle component.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of supporting a bend in a flexible tube, the method comprising: providing the above-mentioned splint assembly; arranging the flexible tube against the splint plate, such that the flexible tube follows an arcuate shape of the splint plate or portion thereof; and moving the first and second clamps along the splint plate, e.g. from the non-clamping portions to the clamping portions of the splint plate, such that the first and second clamps clamp against the flexible tube.

The splint plate may comprise one or more non-clamping portions. The splint assembly may be configured such that the clamps do not engage the flexible tube when the clamps are aligned with the non-clamping portions. The method may comprise: aligning the first and second clamps with the non-clamping portions prior to arranging the flexible tube relative to the splint plate. The first and second clamps may be moved along the splint plate such that the clamps are no longer aligned with the non-clamping portions.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of supporting a bend in a flexible tube, the method comprising: providing a splint assembly for supporting the bend in the flexible tube, the splint assembly comprising a splint plate and clamps for clamping the flexible tube against the splint plate; arranging the flexible tube against the splint plate, such that the flexible tube follows an arcuate shape of the splint plate; and clamping the flexible tube against the splint plate.

Arranging the flexible tube may comprise bending the flexible tube to increase a bend angle and/or reduce a bend radius of a bend in the flexible tube. A shape of an arcuate portion of the splint plate may correspond to the shape of the bend in the flexible tube after the flexible tube has been bent to increase the bend angle and/or reduce the bend radius of the bend.

To avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and repetition of text in the specification, certain features are described in relation to only one or several aspects or embodiments of the invention. However, it is to be understood that, where it is technically possible, features described in relation to any aspect or embodiment of the invention may also be used with any other aspect or embodiment of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a vehicle assembly according to arrangements of

the present disclosure;

Figure 2 is a schematic cross sectional view of the motor vehicle assembly along line X-X; Figures 3a and 3b are font perspective view of components of a splint assembly for the motor vehicle assembly, in retracted and extended positions respectively; and Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method of supporting a bend in a flexible tube in a vehicle assembly.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure relates to splint assemblies for supporting bends in flexible tubes within assemblies of vehicles, such as motor vehicles (e.g. cars, vans, trucks, motorcycles etc.), industrial or agricultural vehicles (e.g. tractors, forklifts, bulldozers, excavators etc), marine vessels, aircraft or any other type of vehicle.

With reference to Figure 1, a vehicle assembly 2, e.g. a motor vehicle assembly, may comprise a first component 10, such as an exhaust pressure spigot, having a first fluid outlet 12.

The vehicle assembly 2 further comprises a flexible tube 20 having a first end 22 and a second end 24. The flexible tube 20 further comprises a bend 26 at which a length of the flexible tube 20 is bent by a bend angle Al about a bend axis Xi such that the flexible tube 20 extends about the bend axis X1 with a bend radius Ri, e.g. relative to a centreline of the flexible tube. The first end 22 of the flexible tube may be coupled to the first fluid outlet 12, for receiving fluid, such as exhaust gases, from the first component 10.

The bend 26 may be a preformed bend. In other words, the flexible tube 20 may be manufactured such that the bend is present in the flexible tube 20 prior to the flexible tube being installed into the vehicle assembly 2, e.g. in an unstrained configuration of the flexible tube 20. Alternatively, the flexible tube 20 may be manufactured in an unbent, e.g. straight, configuration and may be sufficiently flexible to enable the flexible tube 20 to be bent to produce the bend 26 during assembly of the vehicle assembly 2. Alternatively again, the flexible tube 20 may be manufactured such that the flexible tube is bent by a smaller angle and/or with a larger bend radius and may be sufficiently flexible to enable the flexible tube 20 to be bent further during assembly, into the condition depicted in Figure 1.

The vehicle assembly 2 may further comprise a second component 30, such as an exhaust sensor. The second component 30 may be coupled to the second end 24 of the flexible tube 20 and may be configured to receive exhaust gases from the exhaust pressure spigot passing through the flexible tube 20.

As depicted, the vehicle assembly 2 may further comprise a third component 40. Due to the bend 26 in the flexible tube, the flexible tube 20 may avoid contacting the third component 40. Additionally or alternatively, due to the shape of the flexible tube 20, the second component 30 may be arranged such that the second component is spaced apart from the third component 40.

The vehicle assembly 2 further comprises a splint assembly 100 according to arrangements of the present disclosure. The splint assembly 100 is for supporting the bend 26 in the flexible tube and thereby securing the position of the flexible tube within the vehicle assembly, e.g. relative to the first and third components 10, 40. For example, the splint assembly 100 may resist deflections of the flexible tube 20.

As the second component 30 is coupled to the second end 24 of the flexible tube 20, the splint assembly 100 may also secure the position of the second component within the vehicle assembly, e.g. relative to the first and third components. For example, the splint assembly may resist movements of the second component 30 resulting from or causing deflections of the flexible tube 20.

The splint assembly 100 may therefore resist or prevent deflections and/or movements of the flexible tube 20 and/or second component 30, which may otherwise cause the flexible tube and/or sensor to contact the third component 40.

The splint assembly 100 comprises a splint plate 110, a first clamp 120 and a second clamp 130. The splint plate 110 comprises a rigid plate having a first end 110a and a second end 110b. At least a part of the splint plate may be arranged within a plane, e.g. a flat plane, at which the splint plate contacts the flexible tube when installed. In some arrangements, the splint plate 110 is substantially planar, e.g. formed in the flat plane. When the splint plate is installed within the vehicle assembly 2 to support the bend 26 in the flexible tube, the plane of the splint plate 110 may be perpendicular to the first axis Xi about which the flexible tube 20 is bent.

In other arrangements, the splint plate 110 is formed in a curved plane. In particular, the splint plate may be formed in a curved plane corresponding to the shape of the outer surface of the flexible tube, such that the planar portion of the splint plate contacts the outer surface of the flexible tube over an area of the planar portion.

The splint plate 110 comprises an arcuate portion 112 extending around a second axis X2, through a second angle A2. The second axis may be perpendicular to the plane of the splint plate 110. A centreline 112a of the arcuate portion 112 may have a second radius R2 relative to the second axis X2. When the vehicle assembly is assembled, e.g. such that the bend 26 in the flexible tube is supported by the splint assembly 100, the second angle A2 and/or the second radius R2 may be substantially equal to the first angle A2 and first radius R1 respectively. Further, as shown in Figure 1, when the splint plate 110 is installed within the vehicle assembly 2, the second axis X2 may be substantially aligned with the first axis Xi. Accordingly, the shape of the arcuate portion 112 of the splint plate 110 may correspond to and may follow the shape of the bend 26 of the flexible tube when viewed in a direction parallel with the first and second axes Ai, A2.

The splint plate 110 may be configured to contact the flexible tube 20 in a plane perpendicular to the first axis Ai. For example, the splint plate 110 may contact the flexible tube in the plane of the plate. As depicted, the arcuate portion 112 may be a planar portion of the splint plate 110, e.g. disposed within the plane of the splint plate 110.

The first and second clamps 120, 130 may be for clamping the splint plate 110 against the flexible tube 20, e.g. at either end of the bend 26 along the length of the tube, so that the splint assembly 100 can support the bend 26 in the flexible tube.

As depicted, the first and second clamps 120, 130, may comprise resiliently deformable rings. The resiliently deformable rings of the clamps may be deformable such that internal diameters of the rings increase to allow the rings to be positioned about the flexible tube 20 and splint plate 110. Due to the resilience of the resiliently deformable rings, internal diameters of the rings of the clamps may reduce, so that the clamps act to clamp the splint plate 110 against the flexible tube 20. For example, the first and second clamps 120, 130 may comprise spring band clamps.

The splint plate 110 may comprise first and second clamping portions 114a, 114b, at which the first and second clamps 120, 130 are able to clamp the splint plate 110 against the flexible tube 20, when the clamps are aligned with respective ones of the first and second clamping portions 114a, 114b. When the first and second clamps 120, are aligned with the first and second clamping portions respectively, the first and second clamps 120, 130 may engage the flexible tube 20, e.g. away from the splint plate 110, to clamp the flexible tube against the splint plate, e.g. at the coupling portions.

The first and second clamping portions 114a, 114b may be disposed at either side of the arcuate portion 112 of the splint plate 110. For example, the first clamping portion 114a may be disposed between the arcuate portion 112 and the first end 110a of the splint plate, e.g. at or adjacent to the first end. The second clamping portion 114b may be disposed between the arcuate portion 112 and the second end 110b of the splint plate, e.g. at or adjacent to the second end 110b.

In some arrangements, the vehicle assembly 2 may be configured such that the first and second clamps 120, 130 are arranged to clamp the tube 20 around spigots of the first component 10 and second component 30 respectively, thereby coupling the tube to the first and second components 10, 30, as well as clamping the splint plate 110, and optionally the further splint plate 140, against the tube 20.

The first and second clamps 120, 130 may be movably, e.g. slideably, coupled to the splint plate 110. For example, the splint plate 110 may comprise a slot or groove in which a portion, e.g. a protruding portion, of the first and second clamps may be at least partially received, so that the first and second clamps 120, 130 can slide along a length of the splint plate 110, e.g. between the first and second ends. In some arrangements, the first and second clamps 120, 130 may be slideable along substantially the entire length of the splint plate 110.

The first and second clamps 120, 130 may be slideable along the splint plate 110 when the resiliently deformable rings of the clamps have been deformed to increase the internal diameters of the rings, such that the clamps do not clamp the splint plate against the flexible tube.

The splint plate 110 may further comprise one or more non-clamping portions 116a, 116b. For example, in the arrangement shown in Figure 1, the splint plate comprises first and second non-clamping portions 116a, 116b.

The first and second non-clamping portion 116a, 116b are configured such that when either or both of the first and second clamps are aligned with the non-clamping portions, the ones of the first and second clamps 120, 130 that are aligned with the non-clamping portion do not, e.g. are prevented from, clamping the splint plate 110 against the flexible tube 20. For example, the ones of the first and second clamps that are aligned with the non-clamping portions 116a, 116b may be held in deformed conditions, in which the internal diameters of the resilient deformable rings of the clamps are increased. In other words, the first and second clamps 120, 130 may be prevented from closing against the flexible tube, when aligned with the first or second non-clamping portion 116a, 116b.

As depicted in Figures 1 and 2, the non-clamping portions 116a, 116b of the splint plate may comprise portions of the splint plate that are displaced relative to the clamping portion of the splint plate, e.g. out of the plane of the splint plate. The non-clamping portion of the splint plate may be displaced away from the flexible tube 20. In particular, the non-clamping portions of the splint plate may be displaced in a direction parallel with the second axis A2, about which the arcuate portion of the splint plate extends, relative to the clamping portion. Alternatively, e.g. when the splint plate 110 is formed in a curved plane, the non-clamping portion may be displaced in a radial direction of the flexible tube, e.g. away from the centreline of the flexible tube.

Additionally or alternatively, a width of the non-clamping portion of the splint plate, e.g. in a direction perpendicular to the centreline of the splint plate, may be greater than the width of a clamping portion of the splint plate. Additionally or alternatively again, the non-clamping portion of the splint plate may comprise a portion of the plate having a greater thickness, e.g. in a direction parallel with the second axis A2 or a radial direction of the flexible tube, than the clamping portions. In this way, the first and second clamps 120, 130 may be prevented from closing against the flexible tube 20, when aligned with the first or second non-clamping portions 116a, 116b respectively.

As depicted, the first non-clamping portion 116a may be arranged adjacent, e.g. immediately adjacent, to the first clamping portion 114a. The first non-clamping portion 116a may be arranged on an opposite side of the first clamping portion 114a from the first end 110a of the splint plate. Similarly, the second non-clamping portion 116b may be arranged adjacent, e.g. immediately adjacent, to the second clamping portion 114b.

The second non-clamping portion 116b may be arranged on an opposite side of the second clamping portion 114b from the second end 110b of the splint plate 110. In use of the splint assembly 100, the first and second clamps 120, 130 may be moved, e.g. slid, along the splint plate 110 between the non-clamping and clamping portions 116a, 116b, 114a, 114b in order to engage and release the clamps 120, 130.

During installation of the splint assembly 100 to the vehicle assembly 2, the splint plate 110 may be positioned at the bend 26 of the flexible tube 20 whilst the first and second clamps are aligned with the first and second non-clamping portions 116a, 116b respectively. Once the splint plate 110 is positioned, the first and second clamps 120, 130 may be moved, e.g. slid, along the splint plate, to be aligned with first and second clamping portions 114a, 114b of the splint plate respectively, so that the clamps clamp the flexible tube 20 against the splint plate 110 and thereby support the bend 26 in the flexible tube.

As depicted in Figure 2, the splint assembly 100 may comprise a further splint plate 140. The further splint plate 140 may be to be arranged on an opposite side of the flexible tube from the splint plate 110. The first and second clamps 120, 130 may beta extend about the splint plate 110, the further splint plate 140 and the flexible tube, so that the flexible tube 20 can be clamped between the splint plate 110 and further splint plate 140.

The further splint plate 140 may be substantially identical to the splint plate 110. Alternatively, the further splint plate may be a mirror image of the splint plate, e.g. in the plane of the splint plate or a plane in which the centreline of the flexible tube is disposed, depending on the configuration of the non-clamping portions 116a, 116b of the splint plate. For example, the splint plate 110 and further splint plate 140 may be configured such that the non-clamping portion 116a, 116b of the splint plate and further splint plate act together to prevent the first and second clamps 120, 130 from closing against the flexible tube 20 when the first and second clamps are aligned with the non-clamping portions. In other arrangements, the further splint plate 140 may not comprise non-clamping portions.

With reference to Figures 3a and 3b, in some arrangements the splint assembly 100 may further comprise a sheath 150 extending between the first and second clamps 120, 130. For example a first end 150a of the sheath may be coupled to the first clamp and a second end 150b of the sheath may be coupled to the second clamp 130. The sheath 150 may be tubular and when the first and second clamps are arranged about the flexible tube, e.g. as depicted in Figures 1 and 2, the length of flexible tube between the first and second clamps may be received inside of the sheath 150.

The sheath 150 may be manufactured from a metallic material. For example, the sheath may be woven from metal, e.g. steel, wires. The sheath 150 may thereby prevent damaged, such as wear, abrasion and laceration, of the flexible tube 20.

As shown in Figures 3a and 3b, the sheath 150 may be configured such that an interior diameter of the tube of the sheath reduces as a length of the sheath is increased, e.g. as the first and second clamps 120, 130 are moved further apart from one another. In particular, the sheath 150 may be configured such that the internal diameter of the sheath 150 is less than or equal to a diameter of the flexible tube 20 or an outer surface of the splint assembly 100 when the length of the sheath 150 is equal to the distance between the first and second clamping portions 114a, 114b of the splint plate. Additionally, the sheath 150 may be configured such that the internal diameter of the sheath 150 is greater than a diameter of the flexible tube 20 or an outer surface of the splint assembly 100 when the length of the sheath 150 is equal to the distance between the first and second non-clamping portions 116a, 116b of the splint plate The sheath 150 may thereby be configured such that the sheath 150 grips the flexible tube 20 when the first and second clamps 120, 130 are moved from being aligned with the first and second non-clamping portions of the splint plate to be aligned with the first and second clamping portions of the splint plate, during installation of the splint assembly, as described above.

In the arrangement described above, the splint assembly 100 comprises two clamps 120, 130 configured to clamp the splint plate 110 against the tube 20 at two respective locations. However, in other arrangements, the splint assembly 100 may comprise more than two clamps. For example, the splint assembly 100 may comprise three, four, five or more than five clamps. In such arrangements, the splint plate 110 may comprise a number of clamping portions corresponding to the number of clamps in the splint assembly. Alternatively, more than one clamp may be alignable with one or more of the clamping portions. Similarly, the splint plate 110 may comprise a number of non-clamping portions corresponding to the number of clamps in the splint plate assembly or more than one clamp may be configured to be aligned with one or more of the non-clamping portions, e.g. prior to installation of the splint assembly.

In one arrangement the first clamp 120 is alignable with the first clamping portion 114a to clamp the tube 20 around the spigot of the first component 10 and clamp the splint plate 110 against the tube 20, e.g. at the first ends 22, 110a of the tube and splint plate. The second clamp 130 is alignable with the second clamping portion 114b to clamp the tube 20 around a spigot of the second component 30 and clamp the splint plate 110 against the tube 20, e.g. at the second ends 24, 110b of the tube and splint plate. Third and fourth clamps are alignable with the first and/or second clamping portion, or a third clamping portion, or third and fourth clamping portions respectively, between the first and second clamps, to clamp the splint plate 110 against the tube 20 at respective positions between the first and second ends 22, 110a, 24, 110b of the tube and splint plate.

In such arrangements, one or more sheaths 150 may be provided between one or more pairs of the clamps. For example, a sheath may be provided between the first and second clamps and/or a sheath may be provided between the third and fourth clamps. In such arrangements, one or more of the sheaths 150 may overlap others of the clamps and/or sheaths. Alternatively, clamps positioned between the ends of the sheaths may be arranged outside of the sheath, e.g. clamping the sheath against the tube. In some arrangements, one or more sheaths may be provided between adjacent pairs of the clamps, e.g. so that the sheath do not overlap each other or other clamps. In other arrangements, a single sheath may be provided between the two clamps positioned closest to either end of the splint plate, e.g. such that the single sheath covers the greatest length of the tube between a pair of clamps.

With reference to Figure 4, a bend 26 in a flexible tube within a vehicle assembly may be supported using a method 400 according to arrangements of the present disclosure. The method comprises a first block 402 at which a splint assembly, such as the splint assembly 100 described above, is provided.

The method 400 further comprises a second block 404, at which the flexible tube 20 is arranged against the splint plate of the splint assembly, such that the flexible tube, e.g. a bend 26 in the flexible tube, follows an arcuate portion of the splint plate 110 and further splint plate 140 if provided.

In some arrangements, the flexible tube 20 may be manufactured comprising a bend corresponding to the shape of the arcuate portion of the splint plate and optionally the further splint plate. In other arrangements, arranging the flexible tube, e.g. at the second block 404, may comprise bending the flexible tube 20, such that the bend 26 in the flexible tube corresponds to the shape of the arcuate portion of the splint plate and optionally the further splint plate.

The method further comprises a third block 406, at which first and second clamps 120, 130 of the splint assembly are arranged to clamp the splint plate, and optionally the further splint plate 140, against the flexible tube 20, thereby supporting the bend 26 in the flexible tube. For example, the first and second clamps 120, 130 may be moved, e.g. slid, along the splint plate 110 and optionally the further splint plate 140 to become aligned with clamping portions 114a, 114b of the splint plate.

The first and second clamps 120, 130 of the splint assembly 100 may be arranged on opposite sides of the bend 26 in the flexible tube.

When the splint assembly 100 comprises more than two clamps, the other clamps may be arranged to clamp the splint plate, and optionally the further splint plate, against the flexible tube 20 at the third block 406, or before or after the third block.

The method 400 may further comprise a block at which the first and second clamps 120, 130 are aligned with non-clamping portions 116a, 116b of the splint plate, and optionally the further splint plate, prior to arranging the flexible tube relative to the splint plate. At the third block, the first and second clamps 120 may be moved, e.g. slid, along the splint plate such that the clamps are no longer aligned within the non-clamping portions.

The following additional, numbered statements of invention are also included within the specification and form part of the present disclosure: Statement 1. A splint assembly for supporting a bend in a flexible tube, the splint assembly comprising: a splint plate comprising a rigid plate having a first end and a second end; and first and second clamps for clamping the splint plate against the flexible tube, wherein the first and second clamps are movable along the splint plate between the first and second ends of the splint plate.

Statement 2. The splint assembly of statement 1, wherein the splint plate is arcuate and is shaped to contact the flexible tube in a plane perpendicular to an axis about which the flexible tube is bent.

Statement 3. The splint assembly of any of the preceding statements, wherein one or both of the first and second clamps are slidably mountable on the splint plate.

Statement 4. The splint assembly of any of the preceding statements, wherein the splint plate comprises a first clamping portion, wherein the first and second clamps are to clamp the splint plate against the flexible tube when the respective clamps are aligned with the first clamping portion, and wherein the splint plate comprises a first non-clamping portion, wherein the splint plate and the first and second clamps are configured such that the clamps do not clamp against the flexible tube when the respective clamps are aligned with the first non-clamping portion.

Statement 5. The splint assembly of statement 4, wherein the first clamping portion is arranged between first non-clamping portion and the first end of the splint plate.

Statement 6. The splint assembly of statement 4 or 5, wherein the first non-clamping portion is arranged adjacent to the first clamping portion along the length of the splint plate.

Statement 7. The splint assembly of any of statements 4 to 6, wherein the splint plate further comprises a second clamping portion, wherein the first and second clamps are to clamp the splint plate against the flexible tube when the one or more of the clamps are aligned with the second clamping portion.

Statement 8. The splint assembly of statement 7, wherein the splint plate comprises a second non-clamping portion, wherein the splint plate and the first and second clamps are configured such that the clamps do not clamp the splint plate against the flexible tube when the respective clamps are aligned with the second non-clamping portion.

Statement 9. The splint assembly of any of the preceding statements, wherein the assembly further comprises a further splint plate, wherein the further splint plate is to be arranged on an opposite side of the flexible tube from the splint plate, wherein the first and second clamps are to clamp the further splint plate against the flexible tube in order to support the bend of the tube.

Statement 10. The splint assembly of any of the preceding statements, wherein the first and second clamps comprise resiliently deformable rings, wherein the rings are deformable in order to increase an inside diameter and the rings and wherein the resilience of the rings acts to restore the diameter of the rings to a predetermine diameter.

Statement 11. The splint assembly of any of the preceding statements, wherein the assembly further comprises a sheath extending between the first and second clamps, wherein the sheath is configured to surround the flexible tube when the splint assembly is arranged to support the bend in the flexible tube.

Statement 12. The splint assembly of statement 11, wherein the sheath is configured such that an inside diameter of the sheath varies as the length of the sheath is varied.

Statement 13. The splint assembly of statement 12, wherein the sheath is configured such that the inside diameter of the sheath is less than or equal to an inside diameter of the clamps, when the first and second clamps are arranged to clamp against the splint plate and/or the flexible tube.

Statement 14. A vehicle assembly comprising:

a flexible tube; and the splint assembly of any of the preceding statements, wherein the splint assembly is arranged to support a bend in the flexible tube Statement 15. The vehicle assembly of statement 14, wherein the flexible tube comprises a preformed bend having a bend radius, wherein the splint assembly is configured to support a bend in the flexible tube having radius less than the bend radius of the preformed bend Statement 16. The vehicle assembly of statement 14 or 15, wherein the assembly further comprises a sensor coupled to an end of the flexible tube.

Statement 17. The vehicle assembly of statement 16, wherein the sensor is free from support brackets for supporting the position of the sensor.

20 25 30 Statement 18. The vehicle assembly of any of statements 14 to 17, wherein the assembly further comprises a further vehicle component, wherein the flexible tube is supported away from the further vehicle component by the splint plate.

Statement 19. A method of supporting a bend in a flexible tube, the method comprising: providing the splint assembly of any of statements 1 to 13; arranging the flexible tube against the splint plate, such that the flexible tube follows an arcuate shape of the splint plate; and moving the first and second clamps along the splint plate, such that the first and second clamps clamp against the flexible tube.

Statement 20. The method of statement 19, wherein the splint plate comprises one or more non-clamping portions, wherein the splint assembly is configured such that the clamps do not engage the flexible tube when the clamps are aligned with the non-clamping portions, wherein the method comprises: aligning the first and second clamps with the non-clamping portions prior to arranging the flexible tube relative to the splint plate, wherein the first and second clamps are moved along the splint plate such that the clamps are no longer aligned within the non-clamping portions.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the invention has been described by way of example, with reference to one or more exemplary examples, it is not limited to the disclosed examples and that alternative examples could be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A splint assembly for supporting a bend in a flexible tube, the splint assembly 5 comprising: a splint plate comprising a rigid plate having a first end and a second end; and first and second clamps for clamping the splint plate against the flexible tube, wherein the first and second clamps are movable along the splint plate between the first and second ends of the splint plate.
2. The splint assembly of claim 1, wherein the splint plate is arcuate and is shaped to contact the flexible tube in a plane perpendicular to an axis about which the flexible tube is bent.
3. The splint assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein one or both of the first and second clamps are slidably mountable on the splint plate.
4. The splint assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the splint plate comprises a first clamping portion, wherein the first and second clamps are to clamp the splint plate against the flexible tube when the respective clamps are aligned with the first clamping portion, and wherein the splint plate comprises a first non-clamping portion, wherein the splint plate and the first and second clamps are configured such that the clamps do not clamp against the flexible tube when the respective clamps are aligned with the first non-clamping portion.
5. The splint assembly of claim 4, wherein the first clamping portion is arranged between first non-clamping portion and the first end of the splint plate.
6. The splint assembly of claim 4 or 5, wherein the first non-clamping portion is arranged adjacent to the first clamping portion along the length of the splint plate.
7. The splint assembly of any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the splint plate further comprises a second clamping portion, wherein the first and second clamps are to clamp the splint plate against the flexible tube when the one or more of the clamps are aligned with the second clamping portion.
8. The splint assembly of claim 7, wherein the splint plate comprises a second non-clamping portion, wherein the splint plate and the first and second clamps are configured such that the clamps do not clamp the splint plate against the flexible tube when the respective clamps are aligned with the second non-clamping portion.
9. The splint assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly further comprises a further splint plate, wherein the further splint plate is to be arranged on an opposite side of the flexible tube from the splint plate, wherein the first and second clamps are to clamp the further splint plate against the flexible tube in order to support the bend of the tube.
10. The splint assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second clamps comprise resiliently deformable rings, wherein the rings are deformable in order to increase an inside diameter and the rings and wherein the resilience of the rings acts to restore the diameter of the rings to a predetermine diameter.
11. The splint assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly further comprises a sheath extending between the first and second clamps, wherein the sheath is configured to surround the flexible tube when the splint assembly is arranged to support the bend in the flexible tube.
12. The splint assembly of claim 11, wherein the sheath is configured such that an inside diameter of the sheath varies as the length of the sheath is varied.
13. The splint assembly of claim 12, wherein the sheath is configured such that the inside diameter of the sheath is less than or equal to an inside diameter of the clamps, when the first and second clamps are arranged to clamp against the splint plate and/or the flexible tube.
14. A vehicle assembly comprising: a flexible tube; and the splint assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the splint assembly is arranged to support a bend in the flexible tube.
15. The vehicle assembly of claim 14, wherein the flexible tube comprises a preformed bend having a bend radius, wherein the splint assembly is configured to support a bend in the flexible tube having radius less than the bend radius of the preformed bend.
16. The vehicle assembly of claim 14 or 15, wherein the assembly further comprises a sensor coupled to an end of the flexible tube.
17. The vehicle assembly of claim 16, wherein the sensor is free from support brackets for supporting the position of the sensor.
18. The vehicle assembly of any of claims 14 to 17, wherein the assembly further comprises a further vehicle component, wherein the flexible tube is supported away from the further vehicle component by the splint plate.
19. A method of supporting a bend in a flexible tube, the method comprising: providing the splint assembly of any of claims 1 to 13; arranging the flexible tube against the splint plate, such that the flexible tube follows an arcuate shape of the splint plate; and moving the first and second clamps along the splint plate, such that the first and second clamps clamp against the flexible tube.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the splint plate comprises one or more non-clamping portions, wherein the splint assembly is configured such that the clamps do not engage the flexible tube when the clamps are aligned with the non-clamping portions, wherein the method comprises: aligning the first and second clamps with the non-clamping portions prior to arranging the flexible tube relative to the splint plate, wherein the first and second clamps are moved along the splint plate such that the clamps are no longer aligned within the non-clamping portions.