Resilient ring-shaped clip installation method and apparatus

摘要

Disclosed herein is an installation method and apparatus for installing a resilient ring-shaped clip into engagement with a recess of a recipient channel. The apparatus generally comprises a clip delivery structure having a delivery channel formed therein and comprising an input for receiving the clip, a converging portion for radially biasing the clip, and an output for delivering the radially biased clip to the recipient channel. A clip stabilization mechanism may also be present for stabilizing the clip in the delivery channel, and for disengaging the clip upon application of an axial force to the clip that results in its passage through the delivery channel. Also disclosed is a clip delivery mechanism for displacing a clip through such a delivery channel and the recipient channel until engagement of the clip with the recess, wherein the clip stabilization mechanism disengages upon axial displacement of the clip by the clip delivery mechanism.

主权项

1. An apparatus for installing a resilient ring-shaped clip within a recipient channel by engagement with a corresponding recess formed therein, comprising:
a clip delivery structure having a delivery channel formed therein for coaxial alignment with the recipient channel, said delivery channel comprising an input for receiving the clip in said delivery channel, a conically converging portion for radially biasing the clip upon axial displacement of the clip therethrough, and an output shaped and sized for delivery of the radially biased clip to the recipient channel; a clip delivery mechanism for axially displacing the clip through said delivery channel and recipient channel until engagement of the clip with the recess; and a clip stabilization mechanism for stabilizing the clip in said delivery channel in substantial coaxial alignment with said delivery channel, and disengaging the clip upon axial displacement of the clip by said clip delivery mechanism, said clip stabilization mechanism comprising one or more magnets secured to said clip delivery structure.