KR20150108311A - Retention device for a product - Google Patents

Abstract

A plurality of embodiments have a product having a maintenance device having a plurality of members comprising: a spring member defining a plurality of contact points; and an arch-shaped member. The present invention controls exhaust gas emissions of a vehicle and satisfies a fuel efficiency standard which is obligated in most nations. The present invention is developed for controlling combustion temperature and controlling NOx and particle emissions.

Description

Retaining device for a product [0001]

Cross-reference to related application

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Serial No. 14 / 215,740, filed March 17, 2014.

Field of technique

Fields generally related to this disclosure include retaining devices.

* Retention devices can be used in a variety of applications.

Many variations may include an article of manufacture including a retaining device including a plurality of members including an arcuate member and a spring member defining a plurality of contact points.

Other exemplary embodiments within the scope of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. While disclosing embodiments within the scope of the present invention, it should be understood that the description and specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Alternative embodiments of embodiments within the scope of the present invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an EGR system in which a number of embodiments may be used.
Figure 2 shows a thermal heater in which a number of embodiments may be used.
Figure 3 is a view of the heat exchange of Figure 2 with the housing omitted.
Figure 3a is an enlarged view of part of Figure 3;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the heat exchange of Figure 2;
Figure 5 shows a baffle that can be used in a number of embodiments.
Figure 6 shows an article comprising a heat exchange bundle of tubes with a retaining device according to a number of embodiments.
7 is a cross-sectional view of a retaining device according to many embodiments.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of an article comprising a heat exchange bundle of tubes with a retaining device according to many embodiments.
9 is a perspective view of an article comprising a heat exchange bundle of tubes with two retaining devices in accordance with multiple embodiments.
Figure 10 is a partial perspective view of a first retaining device and a second retaining device with mating coupling and guiding features disposed in connection, in accordance with multiple embodiments.
11 is a partial perspective view of a first retaining device and a second retaining device with mating coupling and guiding features that are not connected and are not arranged, in accordance with multiple embodiments.
12 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a heat exchanger having first and second retention devices in accordance with multiple embodiments.
13 is a partially enlarged view of Fig.
14 is a partially enlarged view of Fig.
15 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger having a first retaining device and a second retaining device that are ready to be assembled into a heat exchanger in an unconnected state, in accordance with multiple embodiments.
16 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger having a first holding device and a second holding device that are assembled and connected to a heat exchanger, in accordance with multiple embodiments.
Figure 17 is a perspective view of a retaining device according to many embodiments.
Figure 18 is a perspective view of a first retaining device and a first retaining device, which may have mating locking and / or guiding features, illustrating the direction of movement of the retaining devices when assembled according to many embodiments.
19 is a perspective view of a first retaining device and a first retaining device that may have coupling and / or guiding features mated to one another in accordance with multiple embodiments and may be coupled together.

The following description of the embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention, its application, or uses.

* Controlling vehicle emissions and meeting fuel efficiency standards are mandatory requirements in most countries. There are two components of engine exhaust emissions that need to be controlled: nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter.

Formation of NOx will occur at higher engine combustion temperatures and particles will form at lower combustion temperatures. To control the combustion temperature and to control NOx and particulate emissions, a system called exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system has been developed.

A schematic diagram of an EGR system is shown in Fig. The engine 1 may have an intake manifold 2 and an exhaust manifold 3. The EGR system may include an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve 4 that controls the exhaust gas flow to the intake manifold 2. A heat exchanger (5) may be used to lower the temperature of the exhaust gas. The conduits 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 may provide interconnections between the exhaust manifold 3, the heat exchanger 5, the EGR valve 4 and the intake manifold 2. The illustrated system may use an electrically controlled EGR valve. An electronic control unit (ECU) 11 can provide a signal to control the opening / closing of the valve. Will increase or decrease the exhaust gas flow rate to the intake manifold as the EGR valve is opened and closed. A throttle valve 12 may be provided to control the air flow to the intake manifold.

A portion of the exhaust gas may be recycled back to the intake manifold, where it is combined with the incoming air and fuel. Part of the exhaust gas of the mixture does not participate in combustion, and when this mixture is compressed and ignited in the cylinder, the inert exhaust gas controls the combustion temperature and limits the formation of NOx and particles in the exhaust gas.

The temperature of the recirculated exhaust gas may be a factor that determines the effect of NOx and particle reduction. The EGR system often includes a heat exchanger to remove heat from the exhaust gases and provide an optimal exhaust gas temperature for controlling the exhaust.

One type of heat exchanger 13 is shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4. This may include a plurality of tubes 15 of a rectangular array 16. The tube 15 may have an inner surface 29, a wall 30 and an outer surface 25, as shown in Figs. 3, 3A, and A and 4. Such a rectangular array 16 may be referred to as a core, and the heat exchanger 13 may comprise one or more cores. The tube 15 may be made of stainless steel, a metal such as aluminum, or other suitable material. The core 16 may include metal headers 17, 18 located at any end of the tubes 15. [ The headers 17,18 may also be made of stainless steel, a metal such as aluminum, or other suitable materials. The tube 15 may be secured and sealed to the metal headers 17,18 by brazing, soldering or other suitable means.

The core 16 may be disposed within the housing 14 and sealed within the housing by a gasket 19, o-ring 20, or other suitable means. At one end, the header 18 may be attached to the conic section 21 and lead to the O-ring 20. The housing 14, the core 16, the conical part 21, the gasket 19 and the O-ring 20 can define a sealing space 22 in the housing 14. [ The sealing space 22 may be adapted to introduce a cooling fluid 24 that may be in contact with the tube 15 of the rectangular array 16. The header 17 and the gasket 19 may have a first opening 23 to allow the cooling fluid 24 to flow into the sealing space 22. The cooling fluid 24 may contact the outer surface 25 of the tube 15. The header 17 and the gasket 19 may also have a second opening 26 that allows the cooling fluid 24 to escape from the sealing space 22.

The heat exchanger shown in Figs. 2, 3, 3A and 4 can function in the following manner. A fluid or gas 27 may enter the tube 15 from the first end 28. In this case, the fluid or gas 27 may be the exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine. The exhaust gas 27 may be at a first temperature, such as 600 ° C. The exhaust gas 27 may flow through the tube 15 and be discharged at the second end 29. The cooling fluid 24 enters the sealing space 22 and can contact the outer surface 25 of the tube 15 as shown in Fig. The cooling fluid 24 may be at a lower temperature than the exhaust gas 27, for example 100 ° C.

Some of the heat of the exhaust gas may be transferred to the inner surface 29, wall 30 and outer surface 25 of the tube 15 when the exhaust gas 27 flows through the tube 15. Heat transfer can continue as the gas flows along the length of the tube 15, and the exhaust gas 27 can continue to cool. A portion of the heat transferred to the inner surface 29, wall 30 and outer surface 25 of the tube 15 is then transferred to the cooling fluid 22 in contact with the outer wall 25 of the tube 15 within the sealing space 22. [ (Not shown). The transfer of heat from the exhaust gas 27 to the tube 15 and the fluid 24 in the sealing space 22 can have two effects as described in the following paragraphs.

The first effect is that the exhaust gas 27 from the tube 15 at the second end 29 may be lower in temperature than the exhaust gas 27 entering the tube 15 at the first end 28 to be. For example, the exhaust gas 27 entering the tube 15 at the first end 28 may be at 600 占 폚 and the exhaust gas 27 exiting the tube 15 at the second end 29 may be at 200 占 폚 Lt; / RTI > The reduction in temperature may be due, in part, to heat transfer from the exhaust gas 27 to the tube 15 and the cooling fluid 24 in the sealing space 22.

The second effect is that the cooling fluid 24 exiting the sealing space 22 at the second opening 26 may be at a higher temperature than the cooling fluid 24 entering the sealing space 22 at the first opening 23 . For example, the cooling fluid 24 exiting the sealing space 22 at the second opening 26 may be at 110 ° C and the cooling fluid 24 entering the sealing space 22 at the first opening 23 100 < 0 > C. The increase in temperature may be due, in part, to heat transfer from the exhaust gas 27 to the tube 15 and to the cooling fluid 24 in the sealing space 22.

Both the first and second effects are partly due to the temperature of the exhaust gas 27 entering the tube 15, the flow rate of the exhaust gas 27, the material of the tube 15, the wall thickness of the tube 15, Such as the length of the cooling fluid 15 in the sealing space 22, the surface area of the tube 15, the fluid characteristics of the cooling fluid 24 in the sealing space 22, the flow rate of the cooling fluid 24 in the sealing space 22, . ≪ / RTI >

As the cooling requirements for the heat exchanger increase, it may be necessary to increase the number of tubes 15 or increase the length of the tube 15. [ Longer tubes may require additional support. The baffle 31 shown in Figures 4 and 5 can be positioned along the length of the tube 15. [ The baffle 31 may be a metal plate having a plurality of openings 32 for receiving and supporting the tube 15. The baffle 31 may add support but may not be sufficient for high levels of vibration that may cause fatigue of the tubes 15, brazing connections, or other components.

By adding a retaining device it can help to prevent movement and possible damage. Figure 6 shows a partial assembly of a heat exchanger 13 with a retaining device 33 installed in the core 16. The retaining device 33 may include at least one spring member 34. [ 7 shows a portion of the retaining device 33 and the spring member 34 when viewed in the direction of the arrow 44. Fig. The retaining device 33 may include a first member 35 extending from the first end 37 of the first arcuate member 35 and a first arcuate member 35. The radiused portion 38 at the transition between the first arcuate member 35 and the second member 36 can define a first point of contact 39. The third member 40 can be extended from the second end 41 of the first arcuate member 35. In addition, at the transition between the first arcuate member 35 and the third member 40, the radius 42 can define a second contact point 43. The spring member 34 may extend from the third member 40 and define a third contact point 45 along the length of the spring member 34. As shown in FIG. 7, the spring member 34 may include a curved portion 46 that may include a third contact point 45.

Referring to Fig. 7, the holding device 33 can function in the following manner. When the first contact point 39 and the second contact point 43 contact the substantially rigid surface 47 and a force 48 indicated by the arrow is applied to the third contact point 45, To transmit a force to the substantially rigid surface at the first point of contact 39 and the second point of contact 43. While the force 48 is applied, the first arcuate member 35 remains substantially arch-shaped and only the first contact point 39 and the second contact point 43 are brought into contact with the substantially rigid surface 47 do. The arch shape of the first arcuate member 35 and the minimum contact with the rigid surface 47 may lessen the movement of the retaining device 33 along the substantially rigid surface 47. The deflection of the spring member 34 in the direction 49 is shown in broken line 34A in Fig.

Referring to Fig. 8, the spring member 34 may extend a length 51 along the axis 50. As shown in Fig. Length 51 may be 5 mm, 10 mm or any other length suitable to achieve the desired retention requirements. There is an interruption length 52 along the axis 50 and then the second spring member 34B may have a length 53 along the axis 50. The second spring member 34B may have the same length as the first spring member 34 or may have another length to achieve desired maintenance requirements. The spring holding device 33 can be manufactured in many shapes to match the shape of the core. For example, such a spring retaining device may be manufactured in a rectangular shape that fits into a rectangular core, a circular shape that fits into a circular core, or other shape that adequately fits the core.

Fig. 9 shows a retaining device 33 installed in the rectangular core 16 of the heat exchanger 13. Fig. The holding device 33 is formed in a rectangular shape conforming to the shape of the core 16. The retaining device 33 is attached to the core 16 by interconnecting features 54 which may include a receptacle 55 and a fastening member 56 as shown in Figures 10 B and 11, Lt; / RTI > When the fastening member 56 is fastened to the receptacle 55, the retaining device 33 defines a closed configuration or closed loop and can be retained in the core 16 as shown in Fig.

Figs. 12, 13, C and 14 D show the holding device 33 installed in the core 16. Fig. The retaining device 33 can be assembled to the core 16 before the core 16 is installed in the housing 14. [ The core 16 can be slid into the housing 14 with the holding device 33 until the core 16 makes a sealing contact with the housing 14. [ The holding device 33 can fasten the housing 14 in the space 22. The distance 57 between the tube 15 and the inner wall 58 of the housing 14 is less than the distance 59 between the contact points 39, 43, 45 on the spring member 34 of the retaining device 33 Can be smaller. It can be noted that the distance 57 may be similar for each of the four inner walls of the housing 14 opposite the tube 15 of the core 16. Since the size 57 may be smaller than the size 59, there may be an interference size 60 that is substantially the difference between the size 57 and the size 59. For example, in one embodiment, when size 59 is 7 mm and size 57 is 6 mm, interference size 60 may be substantially 1 mm. The size 60 may vary depending on the tolerances of the components.

In many embodiments, the interference distance 60 may be 1 mm, 2 mm or another distance to provide the desired level of retention. The selection of the interference distance 60 may be based in part on the vibration level, the level of mechanical impact, or other relevant parameters.

14, when the core 16 is slid into the housing 14, contact and interference 60 with the inner wall 58 provides a force 73 on the third contact point 45 It is possible to deflect the spring member 34 in the direction 62. The force 73 may cause the first contact point 39 and the second contact point 43 of the retaining device 33 to contact the tube 15 and transmit the force to the tube. The tube 15 may form a substantially rigid surface for the first point of contact 39 and the second point of contact 43. When the force 73 is applied to the third contact point 45 and the spring member 34 deflects in the direction 62 the first arcuate member 35 remains substantially in the form of an arch and the first contact point 39 and the second contact point 43 can come into contact with the tube 15 substantially. A position 34A deflected in the direction 62 of the spring member 34 is shown in solid line in FIG. The initial position of the spring member 34 is shown by the broken line. The minimal contact of the arch shape of the first arcuate member 35 and the rigid surface of the tube 15 may cause less interference with the movement of the retaining device 33 along the surface of the tube 15. [ Also, only one of the first contact point 39 and the second contact point 43 may be in contact with the rigid surface of the tube 15. This may in part be a result of dimensional differences of the components, assembly changes or other factors.

The retaining device 33 may extend along four sides of the rectangular core 16 and may include additional portions of the spring member 34. [ The retaining device 33 may be in contact with the four inner surfaces of the rectangular housing 14. Additional portions of the spring member 34 may be disposed on the tube 15 at respective locations that may tend to prevent movement of the tube 15 and the core 16 when a force is applied to the heat exchanger 13. [ It can provide power. The force can be applied to the heat exchanger 13 in either direction and can be due to shock, vibration or other forces. By preventing or restricting movement of the tube 15 and the core 16, the possibility of fatigue and failure of the tube 15, brazed connection, or other components can be reduced.

Referring again to Figures 9, 10, B, and 11, the guide features (not shown) may be used to guide the interconnect features 54 and assemble the retainer 33 to the core 16 in many embodiments 61) may be advantageously included. In many embodiments, the guide feature 61 may include two guide members 62, 63 formed in the retaining device 33. [ The guide feature 61 may be designed to accommodate a guide portion 64 of the retaining device 33 that may include the receptacle 55 or the fastening feature 56. For example, the guide portion 64 may include a receptacle 55 as shown in Figs. 10B and 11. 9 and 10, the guide feature 61 including the guide members 62 and 62 is configured to align the guide portion 64, the receptacle 55, and the fastening feature 56 And it is possible to facilitate the fastening of these

As mentioned above, the guide feature 61 may include a first guide member 62 and a second guide member 63 that can retain and prevent separation of the guide portion 64 have. An existing portion of the holding device 33 can be used as a guide member. 11, the guide member 63 may be part of the first arcuate member 35, the second member 40, or the spring member 34. As shown in Fig. The guide member may also be formed as a separate part of the retaining device 33, such as the guide member 62 shown in Figs.

Installing an integral retaining device may require modification to assemble it into the core. In many embodiments, this can be made in two parts as shown in Fig. 15 for efficient installation of the retaining device. The two-part design may include a first retaining device 33A and a second retaining device 33B. The two-part design will allow installation after assembly of the core 16, including the tube 15, the header 17, the header 18 and the baffle 31. In Fig. 16, the holding device is shown assembled to the core 16.

Fig. 17 shows the first holding device 33A. The holding device 33A may have a first member 65, a second member 66 and a third member 67 formed to fit the rectangular core 16. Each of the first, second and third members may have spring members 34 spaced along the respective members. The retaining device 33A may have an interconnect feature 54 that includes a receptacle 55 and a fastening member 56 as described hereinabove. The receptacle 55 may be located at the first end 68 of the retaining device 33A and the fastening member 56 may be located at the second end 70. [ The retaining device 33A may also include the guide feature 61 and the guide portion 64 described hereinabove as well. The guide feature 61 and the guide portion 64 may be located at the first end 68 or the second end 70 of the retaining device 33A. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the guide feature 61 may be located at the second end 70 and the guide portion 64 may be located at the first end 68. The guide portion 64 may also include the receptacle 55 shown in Fig.

The first holding device 33A and the second holding device 33B may be substantially the same in shape and can be made in the same manufacturing process. This can reduce costs, reduce tooling requirements, improve assembly, or provide other benefits.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, by rotating one of the first and second holding devices 180 degrees about the axis 69 and aligning the two devices, the first holding device 33A and the second holding device (33B) can be assembled to the core. The guide feature 61 located at the second end 70 of the first retaining device 33A aligns the guide portion 64 located at the first end 68 of the second retaining device 33B Can be accommodated. The guide feature 61 located at the second end 70 of the second retaining device 33B aligns the guide portion 64 located at the first end 68 of the first retaining device 33A Can be accommodated. The continuous fastening of the first and second retention devices 33A and 33B in the direction of the arrows 71 and 72 is achieved by fastening the fastening feature 56 of the first retention device 33A to the receptacle of the second retention device 33B (Not shown). The continuous fastening can also fasten the fastening feature 56 of the second retaining device 33B to the receptacle 55 of the first retaining device 33A.

When the fastening member 56 is fastened to the receptacle 55, the retaining devices 33A and 33B define a closed configuration or a closed loop as shown in Fig. The retaining devices 33A and 33B may be retained in the core 16 as shown in Fig.

While the foregoing description and drawings of the present invention illustrate a round tube 15 within a rectangular core 16, it should be understood that it is within the scope of the present invention to use an elliptical tube, a square tube, or any other shape suitable for achieving desired cooling requirements Or may be applied to a core having a tube. A core having a non-rectangular shape may be used. For example, the retaining device may be applied to a circular core, an elliptical core, or another shaped core suitable for achieving the desired requirements.

The following description of the embodiments is merely illustrative of the elements, elements, acts, products and methods which are regarded as being within the scope of the present invention, And the like. The components, elements, acts, products, and methods as described herein can be combined and reconfigured differently than those explicitly described herein, and are also considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

The first embodiment comprises a first member formed from an arch, a second member extending from a first end of the first member defining a first contact point, a third member extending from a second end of the first member defining a second contact point, And at least one retaining device comprising at least one spring member extending from at least one of the first, second, and third members to define a third contact point, When the second contact is in contact with the substantially rigid surface and a force is applied to the third point of contact, force is transmitted to the substantially rigid surface at one or both of the first and second points of contact, 1 member remains substantially in an arcuate form and does not contact the substantially rigid surface.

Embodiment 2 may include an article as shown in Embodiment 1, wherein at least one spring member may include at least two spring members, and the spring members are spaced from each other on the holding device.

Embodiment 3 may include an article as set forth in any one of embodiments 1 and 2, wherein the at least one retaining device further comprises interconnection features comprising a receptacle and a fastening member to be fastened to the receptacle, , The receptacle and the fastening member are spaced apart from each other, and when the fastening member is fastened to the receptacle, the retaining device defines a closed configuration or closed loop to be attached to the product.

Embodiment 4 may include an article as shown in Example 3, wherein at least one retaining device further comprises a guide feature and a guide portion, wherein the guide feature comprises at least one guide member, Includes at least one of interconnecting features, wherein the guide member is constructed and arranged to guide the guide portion.

Embodiment 5 may include an article as shown in Example 3, wherein at least one retaining device further comprises a guide feature and a guide portion, wherein the guide feature comprises at least one guide member, Includes at least one of the interconnect features, and the guide member guides the guide portion.

Embodiment 6 may include an article as shown in Embodiment 1, the article further comprising at least a second holding device, wherein the first and second holding devices are arranged to guide the guide portion on the second holding device A guide feature on the first retaining device constructed and arranged, and a guide feature on the second retaining device constructed and arranged to guide the guide portion on the first retaining device.

Embodiment 7 may include an article as shown in Example 3, the article further comprising at least one second holding device, wherein the first and second holding devices comprise a guide portion on the second holding device A guide feature on the first retaining device constructed and arranged to guide the first retaining device, and a guide feature on the second retaining device configured and arranged to guide the guide portion on the first retaining device.

Embodiment 8 can include an article as shown in Example 4, wherein the article further comprises at least one second holding device, wherein the first and second holding devices comprise a guide portion on the second holding device A guide feature on the first retaining device constructed and arranged to guide the first retaining device, and a guide feature on the second retaining device configured and arranged to guide the guide portion on the first retaining device.

Embodiment 9 can include an article as shown in any of Embodiments 5 to 8, and the shape of each holding device is substantially the same.

Embodiment 10 may include a product comprising a core comprising an array of tubes, a housing for receiving and supporting the core, a gap between the core and the housing, at least one holding device positioned between the housing and the core, Wherein the at least one retaining device comprises a first member formed of an arch, a second member extending from the first end of the first member and defining a first point of contact along the axis of the tube, a second member extending from the second end of the first member A third member defining a second contact point along an axis of the tube, at least one spring member extending from at least one of the first, second, and third members to define a third contact point with the housing, And the core may cause interference with the retaining device and a force is applied to the third contact point of the at least one spring member, One or both of the contact points and the first member may be constructed and arranged to remain substantially arcuate when a force is applied to the third contact point and may not contact along the axis of the tube.

Embodiment 11 may include an article as shown in Example 10, wherein at least one retaining device comprises at least two spring members, the spring members being spaced from one another on the retaining device.

Embodiment 12 may include an article as shown in Embodiment 10 wherein the at least one retaining device further comprises interconnect features including a receptacle and a fastening member to be fastened to the receptacle, And when the fastening member is fastened to the receptacle, the retaining device defines a closed configuration or closed loop to be attached to the product.

Embodiment 13 may include an article as shown in Embodiment 12, wherein at least one retaining device may further comprise a guide feature and a guide portion, wherein the guide feature comprises at least one guide member, The guide portion includes at least one of the interconnect features and the guide member is constructed and arranged to guide the guide portion.

Embodiment 14 may include an article as shown in Embodiment 10, wherein at least one retaining device further comprises a guide feature and a guide portion, wherein the guide feature comprises at least one guide member, Includes at least one interconnect feature, and the guide member guides the guide portion.

Example 15 may include an article as shown in Example 10, wherein the article may further comprise at least a second holding device, wherein the first and second holding devices comprise a guide portion on the second holding device A guide feature on the first retaining device constructed and arranged to guide the first retaining device, and a guide feature on the second retaining device configured and arranged to guide the guide portion on the first retaining device.

Embodiment 16 may include an article as shown in Embodiment 12, wherein the article further comprises at least a second holding device, wherein the first and second holding devices are arranged to guide the guide portion on the second holding device A guide feature on the first retaining device constructed and arranged, and a guide feature on the second retaining device constructed and arranged to guide the guide portion on the first retaining device.

Example 17 may include an article as shown in Example 16, wherein the shape of each retaining device is substantially the same.

The above description of alternative embodiments within the scope of the present invention is merely exemplary in nature and therefore, the embodiments or variations of the present invention are not deemed to depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (15)

A first member formed of an arch;
A second member extending from the first end of the first member and defining a first point of contact;
A third member extending from the second end of the first member and defining a second contact point; And
And at least one spring member extending from at least one of the first, second and third members to define a third contact point,
≪ / RTI >
When the first and second contact points contact the substantially rigid surface and force is applied to the third point touch, force is transmitted to the substantially rigid surface at one or both of the first and second points of contact,
Wherein when the force is applied to the third contact point, the first member remains substantially in the form of an arch and does not contact the substantially rigid surface. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the at least one retaining device can include at least two spring members, wherein the spring members are spaced from one another on the retaining device. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the at least one retaining device further comprises interconnection features including a receptacle and a fastening member coupled to the receptacle, wherein the receptacle and the fastening member are spaced apart from each other, and when the fastening member is fastened to the receptacle, The retaining device defines a closed configuration or closed loop to be attached to the product. The method of claim 3,
Wherein the at least one retaining device further comprises a guide feature and a guide portion, wherein the guide feature comprises at least one guide member and the guide portion comprises at least one of the interconnect features, And is configured and arranged to guide the guide portion. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the at least one retaining device further comprises a guide feature and a guide portion, wherein the guide feature includes at least one guide member, the guide portion includes at least one of the interconnect features, The product, guided part. The method according to claim 1,
The article further includes at least a second retaining device,
Wherein the first and second holding devices comprise:
A guide feature on said first holding device configured and arranged to guide a guide portion on said second holding device; And
Further comprising a guide feature on the second retaining device constructed and arranged to guide a guide portion on the first retaining device. The method of claim 3,
The article further comprises at least one second retaining device,
Wherein the first and second holding devices comprise:
A guide feature on said first holding device configured and arranged to guide a guide portion on said second holding device; And
Further comprising a guide feature on the second retaining device constructed and arranged to guide a guide portion on the first retaining device. 5. The method of claim 4,
The article further comprises at least one second retaining device,
Wherein the first and second holding devices comprise:
A guide feature on said first holding device configured and arranged to guide a guide portion on said second holding device; And
Further comprising a guide feature on the second retaining device constructed and arranged to guide a guide portion on the first retaining device. The method according to claim 6,
The shape of each retaining device is substantially the same. A core comprising an array;
A housing for receiving and supporting the core;
A gap between the core and the housing; And
And at least one retaining device located between the housing and the core,
Wherein the at least one holding device comprises:
A first member formed of an arch;
A second member extending from the first end of the first member and defining a first point of contact along an axis of the tube;
A third member extending from the second end of the first member and defining a second contact point along an axis of the tube; And
And at least one spring member extending from at least one of the first, second and third members to define a third contact point with the housing,
When the gap between the housing and the core is capable of causing interference with the retaining device and a force is applied to the third contact point of the at least one spring member, A force is transmitted to one or both of the second contact points,
The first member may be constructed and arranged to remain substantially arcuate when a force is applied to the third contact point and may not contact along the axis of the tube. 11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein said at least one retaining device comprises at least two spring members, said spring members being spaced apart from one another on a retaining device. 11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the at least one retaining device further comprises interconnect features including a receptacle and a fastening member coupled to the receptacle, wherein the receptacle and the fastening member are spaced apart from each other, and when the fastening member is fastened to the receptacle, The device defines a closed configuration or closed loop to be attached to the product. 13. The method of claim 12,
The at least one retaining device may further include a guide feature and a guide portion, wherein the guide feature includes at least one guide member and the guide portion includes at least one of the interconnect features, Wherein the member is constructed and arranged to guide the guide portion. 11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the at least one retaining device further comprises a guide feature and a guide portion, wherein the guide feature includes at least one guide member and the guide portion includes at least one interconnect feature, The product, guided part. 11. The method of claim 10,
The article further includes at least a second retaining device,
Wherein the first and second holding devices comprise:
A guide feature on said first holding device configured and arranged to guide a guide portion on said second holding device; And
Further comprising a guide feature on the second retaining device constructed and arranged to guide a guide portion on the first retaining device.

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