Patent Description:
Harnesses are used in aircraft to transmit data from portions of an engine to a control box or computer for engine control and optimization. Harnesses and other engine components are attached to an exterior of the engine via clips and clamps as they are routed around the engine. Such engine clips and clamps are sized to receive a specific harness or engine component. It can be difficult to successfully attach to the engine harnesses or other engine components. An adapter clip is known from <CIT>.

An adapter clip is provided as defined by claim <NUM>.

A method of joining an engine clip or an engine clamp with an engine component is provided as defined by claim <NUM>.

In general, the present disclosure describes an adapter clip that has a first portion that fits into a clip or clamp of an engine and a second portion with an annular portion that fits around a sleeve of a harness, or other engine component, that is larger or smaller than the clip or clamp to join to the existing clip or clamp to the harness, or other engine component. As a result, a new harness, for example, can be installed on an engine using the existing clip or clamp such that the harness mounting hardware need not be changed or updated.

<FIG> is an isometric view of attachment assembly <NUM> showing adapter clip <NUM> joined to engine clip <NUM> and harness <NUM>. <FIG> is an isometric view of adapter clip <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> will be discussed together. Attachment assembly <NUM> includes adapter clip <NUM>, engine clip <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), and harness <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), which includes sleeve <NUM> and cables <NUM>. Adapter clip <NUM> includes first portion <NUM>, second portion <NUM>, web portion <NUM>, and fasteners <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). Second portion <NUM> includes annular portion <NUM>, end portion <NUM>, first side <NUM>, and second side <NUM>. End portion <NUM> includes holes <NUM> (shown in <FIG>).

Attachment assembly <NUM> is within an aircraft. A first end of adapter clip <NUM> is joined to engine clip <NUM>, and a second end of adapter clip <NUM> is joined to harness <NUM>. Adapter clip <NUM> is metal. Adapter clip <NUM> may be formed via bent metal, additive manufacturing, brazing, or any other suitable method. Engine clip <NUM> is attached to an exterior of the engine (not shown) of the aircraft. Harness <NUM> is an engine component. In this embodiment, engine clip <NUM> is attached to harness <NUM>. In alternate embodiments, engine clip <NUM> may be attached to a fuel line, tubing, ducting, wiring, a hose, or any other suitable engine component. Specifically, adapter clip <NUM> is joined to sleeve <NUM> of harness <NUM>. In this embodiment, sleeve <NUM> is too large to fit within engine clip <NUM>. In alternate embodiments, sleeve <NUM> may be too small to fit within engine clip <NUM>. Sleeve <NUM> is tubular and positioned around cables <NUM> of harness <NUM> such that cables <NUM> extend through sleeve <NUM>. Sleeves <NUM> are attachment points of harness <NUM> or interfaces to the engine. In this embodiment, sleeve <NUM> has a lip extending away from cables <NUM> on each end of sleeve <NUM>. Harness <NUM> has multiple sleeves <NUM> along a length of harness <NUM>. In this embodiment, harness <NUM> has multiple cables <NUM>. In alternate embodiments, harness <NUM> may have a single cable <NUM>.

Adapter clip <NUM> has first portion <NUM> at a first end of adapter clip <NUM>. First portion <NUM> is dimensioned to fit within engine clip <NUM>. As such, first portion <NUM> is annular and has diameter D1. Diameter D1 is an outer diameter of first portion <NUM>. Diameter D1 of first portion <NUM> is sized to fit within engine clip <NUM>. First portion <NUM> is solid. First portion <NUM> has a length that is about equal to the length of engine clip <NUM>. Adapter clip <NUM> has second portion <NUM> at a second end of adapter clip <NUM>. Second portion <NUM> is attached to first portion <NUM> via web portion <NUM>. A first end of web portion <NUM> is connected to first portion <NUM> and a second end of web portion <NUM> is connected to second portion <NUM> such that web portion <NUM> is between first portion <NUM> and second portion <NUM>. In this embodiment, the length of first portion <NUM> is about equal to the length of second portion <NUM> and web portion <NUM>. In alternate embodiments, the length of first portion <NUM> may differ from the length of web portion <NUM> and/or second portion <NUM>. Web portion <NUM> has a width that is smaller than diameter D1 of the first portion <NUM> and the diameter of second portion <NUM>. Fasteners <NUM> are connected to a portion of second portion <NUM> opposite from the portion of second portion <NUM> connected to first portion <NUM>. In this embodiment, fasteners <NUM> are screws and nuts. In alternate embodiments, fasteners <NUM> may be any suitable fastener. In this embodiment, adapter clip <NUM> includes two fasteners <NUM>. In alternate embodiments, adapter clip <NUM> may have any number of fasteners or no fasteners.

Second portion <NUM> has annular portion <NUM> connected to web portion <NUM> such that web portion <NUM> is connected to second portion <NUM> at annular portion <NUM>. Web portion <NUM> connects and is between first portion <NUM> and annular portion <NUM>. Annular portion <NUM> is annular and hollow. Annular portion <NUM> is dimensioned to fit around sleeve <NUM> of harness <NUM>. Annular portion <NUM> has inner diameter D2. Diameter D2 is sized to fit around sleeve <NUM>. As such, diameter D2 may vary based on the size of sleeve <NUM>. Diameter D2 differs from diameter D1. In this embodiment, diameter D2 is larger than diameter D1. In alternate embodiments diameter D2 may be smaller than diameter D1. In this embodiment, a length of annular portion <NUM> is about equal to the length of first portion <NUM> and web portion <NUM> such that web portion <NUM> extends an entirety of the length of first portion <NUM> and the length of annular portion <NUM>. In alternate embodiments, the length of annular portion <NUM> may differ from the length of first portion <NUM> and/or web portion <NUM>. End portion <NUM> is connected to a portion of annular portion <NUM> opposite from the portion of annular portion <NUM> connected to web portion <NUM>. In alternate embodiments, end portion <NUM> may be connected to a portion of annular portion <NUM> up to about <NUM> degrees from the portion of annular portion <NUM> opposite from the portion of annular portion <NUM> connected to web portion <NUM>. Second portion <NUM> has first side <NUM> making up a first side of second portion <NUM> and second side <NUM> making up a second side of section portion <NUM>. As such, first side <NUM> and second side <NUM> form annular portion <NUM> and end portion <NUM>. First side <NUM> and second side <NUM> at end portion <NUM> form opposing flanges. End portion <NUM> has two holes <NUM> extending through end portion <NUM> from a first side of first side <NUM> to a second side of first side <NUM> and two holes <NUM> extending through end portion <NUM> from a first side of second side <NUM> to a second side of second side <NUM>. Holes <NUM> extending through first side <NUM> are in alignment with holes <NUM> extending through second side <NUM>. Holes <NUM> are sized to accept fasteners <NUM>.

Attachment assembly <NUM> attaches harness <NUM> to an exterior of the engine of an aircraft as harness <NUM> is routed around the engine. Harness <NUM> extends from a sensor at a portion of the engine to a control box or computer that reads signals from the sensor. As such, harness <NUM> transmits data from the engine via cables <NUM> for optimization of engine controls and thrust.

More specifically, adapter clip <NUM> joins and secures harness <NUM> to engine clip <NUM>. Adapter clip <NUM> is metal to withstand the harsh environment, including extreme temperatures and vibration, within the aircraft engine. Sleeves <NUM> act as attachment points for harness <NUM>. As such, first portion <NUM> attaches adapter clip <NUM> to engine clip <NUM> and second portion <NUM> attaches adapter clip <NUM> to sleeve <NUM> of harness <NUM>. Thus, harness <NUM> is attached to engine clip <NUM> via adapter clip <NUM>.

First portion <NUM> of adapter clip <NUM> is inserted into engine clip <NUM> such that first portion <NUM> is within engine clip <NUM>. Web portion <NUM> provides space between first portion <NUM> and annular portion <NUM> such that engine clip <NUM> can fit around first portion <NUM>. Sleeve <NUM> of harness <NUM> is inserted into annular portion <NUM> of second portion <NUM> of adapter clip <NUM>. As such, sleeve <NUM> is within annular portion <NUM>. To insert sleeve <NUM> of harness <NUM> into annular portion <NUM>, first side <NUM> and second side <NUM> of second portion <NUM> are pulled apart from each other at end portion <NUM>. Sleeve <NUM> is inserted into annular portion <NUM> of second portion <NUM> while first side <NUM> and second side <NUM> are spaced apart. First side <NUM> and second side <NUM> are subsequently released such that first side <NUM> and second side <NUM> at end portion <NUM> are adjacent each other. First side <NUM> and second side <NUM> are secured together via fasteners <NUM> and holes <NUM> at end portion <NUM>. As such, second portion <NUM> is fastened together and secured to sleeve <NUM> of harness <NUM> at end portion <NUM>. Adapter clip <NUM> connects harness <NUM> to engine clip <NUM>. Harness <NUM> is secured to engine clip <NUM> via adapter clip <NUM> such that harness <NUM> is right above engine clip <NUM>.

Harness <NUM> does not fit within engine clip <NUM>, but can still be installed on the engine and joined to engine clip <NUM> via adapter clip <NUM>. As such, engine clips <NUM> can be easily adapted to harnesses <NUM> or other engine components with interfaces to the engine that have changed size. For example, a harness may be redesigned to result in sleeves that have changed size. While the engine clip may be sized to receive a specific harness, the engine clip can still attach to the redesigned harness via the adapter clip even though the sleeve no longer fits within the engine clip. Thus, adapter clips <NUM> allow harnesses or other engine components to be redesigned and installed on the engine using existing engine clips while accommodating the new size of the harnesses or engine components. As a result, the engine clips do not need to be changed or updated. In some locations, engine clips cannot be changed or are difficult to change, such as in locations that are difficult to access. Further, older engines may not accommodate updated engine clips. Instead, new harnesses or other engine components can be installed via adapter clips <NUM>. Additionally, engine clips of the same size can be installed throughout the engine and various adapter clips can be used to attach different engine components (the first portion of each adapter clip having the same size and the second portion of each adapter clip having a size that varies to correspond with respective engine components), simplifying engine clip design and installation and engine component redesign and installation.

Because first portion <NUM> is solid, first portion <NUM> is more rigid and fits more easily into engine clip <NUM>. The length of first portion <NUM> is equal to the length of engine clip to provide proper positioning of harness <NUM> on the engine. Web portion <NUM> extending the entirety of the length of first portion <NUM> and annular portion <NUM> provides structural support to adapter clip <NUM>. Web portion <NUM> also provides space between first portion <NUM> and annular portion <NUM> so that sleeve <NUM> of harness <NUM> is not resting on engine clip <NUM>, avoiding potential wear points. First side <NUM> and second side <NUM> can be pulled apart to insert sleeve <NUM> into second portion <NUM>, allowing adapter clip <NUM> to have a simpler design, which is suitable for harsh environments. End portion <NUM> is connected to annular portion <NUM> opposite from web portion <NUM> for ease of accessibility when securing second portion <NUM>. Fasteners <NUM> provide a strong and secure connection that can withstand engine vibrations.

<FIG> is an isometric view of adapter clip <NUM>. Adapter clip <NUM> includes first portion <NUM>, second portion <NUM>, and web portion <NUM>. Second portion <NUM> includes annular portion <NUM>, end portion <NUM>, first side <NUM>, and second side <NUM>. End portion <NUM> includes gap <NUM>.

Adapter clip <NUM> has generally the same structure and function as adapter clip <NUM> described with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>, including first portion <NUM>, second portion <NUM>, and web portion <NUM>, with second portion <NUM> including annular portion <NUM>, end portion <NUM>, first side <NUM>, and second side <NUM>. However, adapter clip <NUM> does not include fasteners, and end portion <NUM> has gap <NUM> and does not include holes.

A crimped portion of first side <NUM> and second side <NUM> of second portion <NUM> form end portion <NUM>. End portion <NUM> has gap <NUM> between first side <NUM> and second side <NUM> and adjacent annular portion <NUM>. Sleeve <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) of harness <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) is inserted into annular portion <NUM> prior to crimping second portion <NUM>. Once the sleeve is within annular portion <NUM>, first side <NUM> and second side <NUM> are crimped, deforming the metal of first side <NUM> and second side <NUM> to form end portion <NUM>, to secure first side <NUM> and second side <NUM> together at end portion <NUM>. Thus, second portion <NUM> of adapter clip <NUM> is secured to sleeve <NUM> of harness <NUM>. First side <NUM> and second side <NUM> may be crimped via pinching with pliers, or any other suitable method. First side <NUM> and second side <NUM> are crimped to an extent that they provide secure attachment to sleeve <NUM>, but also form gap <NUM>.

Because end portion <NUM> does not require fasteners or any other additional parts to close adapter clip <NUM> and secure adapter clip <NUM> to a harness, adapter clip <NUM> requires less components, decreasing the chance of foreign object damage within the engine.

<FIG> is an isometric view of adapter clip <NUM>. Adapter clip <NUM> includes first portion <NUM>, second portion <NUM>, and web portion <NUM>. Second portion <NUM> includes annular portion <NUM>, end portion <NUM>, first side <NUM>, and second side <NUM>. End portion <NUM> includes holes <NUM>.

Adapter clip <NUM> has generally the same structure and function as adapter clip <NUM> described with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>, including first portion <NUM>, second portion <NUM>, and web portion <NUM>, with second portion <NUM> including annular portion <NUM>, end portion <NUM>, first side <NUM>, and second side <NUM>. However, adapter clip <NUM> has end portion <NUM> connected to a portion of annular portion <NUM> about <NUM> degrees from the portion of annular portion <NUM> opposite from the portion of annular portion <NUM> connected to web portion <NUM>.

End portion <NUM> may be connected to annular portion <NUM> up to <NUM> degrees from the portion of annular portion <NUM> opposite from the portion of annular portion <NUM> connected to web portion <NUM>. Varying the location of end portion <NUM> optimizes accessibility to end portion <NUM> for inserting sleeve <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) of harness <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) and securing second portion <NUM> to sleeve <NUM>, such as with fasteners (<NUM>) shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> is an isometric view of adapter clip <NUM>, shown by way of background. Adapter clip <NUM> includes first portion <NUM>, second portion <NUM>, and web portion <NUM>. Second portion <NUM> includes annular portion <NUM>, end portion <NUM>, first side <NUM>, and second side <NUM>. End portion <NUM> includes holes <NUM>.

Adapter clip <NUM> has generally the same structure and function as adapter clip <NUM> described with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>, including first portion <NUM>, second portion <NUM>, and web portion <NUM>, with second portion <NUM> including annular portion <NUM>, end portion <NUM>, first side <NUM>, and second side <NUM>. However, first portion <NUM> is hollow rather than solid and is not within the scope of the claimed invention.

Adapter clip <NUM> has generally the same structure and function as adapter clip <NUM> described with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>, including first portion <NUM>, second portion <NUM>, and web portion <NUM>, with second portion <NUM> including annular portion <NUM>, end portion <NUM>, first side <NUM>, and second side <NUM>. However, diameter D10 of first portion <NUM> is larger than diameter D20 of annular portion <NUM>.

In this embodiment, a sleeve of a harness, or other engine component, is too small to fit within engine clip <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). Diameter D10 is an outer diameter of first portion <NUM>. Diameter D20 is an inner diameter of annular portion <NUM>. Diameter D20 is sized to fit around a smaller sleeve or other engine component. Adapter clip <NUM> joins the smaller sleeve of the harness to engine clip <NUM> such that existing engine clip <NUM> can still be used.

<FIG> are shown and described for background only. <FIG> is an isometric view of attachment assembly <NUM> showing adapter clip <NUM> joined to engine clamp <NUM> and harness <NUM>. <FIG> is an isometric view of adapter clip <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> will be discussed together. Attachment assembly <NUM> includes adapter clip <NUM>, engine clamp <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), and harness <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), which includes sleeve <NUM> and cables <NUM>. Adapter clip <NUM> includes first portion <NUM>, second portion <NUM>, web portion <NUM>, gap <NUM>, and fasteners <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). First portion <NUM> includes first end <NUM> and second end <NUM>. Second portion <NUM> includes annular portion <NUM>, end portion <NUM>, first side <NUM>, and second side <NUM>. End portion <NUM> includes holes <NUM> (shown in <FIG>).

Attachment assembly <NUM> is within an aircraft. A first end of adapter clip <NUM> is joined to engine clamp <NUM>, and a second end of adapter clip <NUM> is joined to harness <NUM>. Adapter clip <NUM> is metal. Adapter clip <NUM> may be formed via bent metal, additive manufacturing, brazing, or any other suitable method. Engine clamp <NUM> is attached to an exterior of the engine (not shown) of the aircraft. Engine clamp <NUM> is a P-clamp. Harness <NUM> is an engine component. In this embodiment, engine clamp <NUM> is attached to harness <NUM>. In alternate embodiments, engine clamp <NUM> may be attached to a fuel line, tubing, ducting, wiring, a hose, or any other suitable engine component. Specifically, adapter clip <NUM> is joined to sleeve <NUM> of harness <NUM>. In this embodiment, sleeve <NUM> is too large to fit within engine clamp <NUM>. In alternate embodiments, sleeve <NUM> may be too small to fit within engine clamp <NUM>. Sleeve <NUM> is tubular and positioned around cables <NUM> of harness <NUM> such that cables <NUM> extend through sleeve <NUM>. Sleeves <NUM> are attachment points of harness <NUM> or interfaces to the engine. In this embodiment, sleeve <NUM> has a lip extending away from cables <NUM> on each end of sleeve <NUM>. Harness <NUM> has multiple sleeves <NUM> along a length of harness <NUM>. In this embodiment, harness <NUM> has multiple cables <NUM>. In alternate embodiments, harness <NUM> may have a single cable <NUM>.

Adapter clip <NUM> has first portion <NUM> at a first end of adapter clip <NUM>. First portion <NUM> is dimensioned to fit within engine clamp <NUM>. As such, first portion <NUM> is annular and has diameter D100. Diameter D100 is an outer diameter of first portion <NUM>. Diameter D100 of first portion <NUM> is sized to fit within engine clamp <NUM>. First portion <NUM> is solid. Adapter clip <NUM> has second portion <NUM> at a second end of adapter clip <NUM>. Second portion <NUM> is attached to first portion <NUM> via web portion <NUM>. Web portion <NUM> forms gap <NUM> between first portion <NUM> and second portion <NUM>. Fasteners <NUM> are connected to a portion of second portion <NUM> opposite from the portion of second portion <NUM> connected to first portion <NUM>. In this embodiment, fasteners <NUM> are screws and nuts. In alternate embodiments, fasteners <NUM> may be any suitable fastener. In this embodiment, adapter clip <NUM> includes two fasteners <NUM>. In alternate embodiments, adapter clip <NUM> may have any number of fasteners or no fasteners. First portion <NUM> has first end <NUM> opposite second end <NUM>. First end <NUM> is a rounded free end. Second end <NUM> is connected to a first side of web portion <NUM> at a first end of web portion <NUM>. Second portion <NUM> is connected to a second end of web portion <NUM> to form gap <NUM>.

Second portion <NUM> has annular portion <NUM> connected to the second end of web portion <NUM> such that web portion <NUM> is connected to second portion <NUM> at annular portion <NUM>. Web portion <NUM> connects first portion <NUM> and annular portion <NUM>. Gap <NUM> is formed between first portion <NUM> and annular portion <NUM>. Annular portion <NUM> is annular and hollow. Annular portion <NUM> is dimensioned to fit around sleeve <NUM> of harness <NUM>. Annular portion <NUM> has inner diameter D200. Diameter D200 is sized to fit around sleeve <NUM>. As such, diameter D200 may vary based on the size of sleeve <NUM>. Diameter D200 differs from diameter D100. In this embodiment, diameter D200 is larger than diameter D100. In alternate embodiments diameter D200 may be smaller than diameter D100. End portion <NUM> is connected to a portion of annular portion <NUM> opposite from the portion of annular portion <NUM> adjacent gap <NUM>. In alternate embodiments, end portion <NUM> may be connected to a portion of annular portion <NUM> up to about <NUM> degrees from the portion of annular portion <NUM> opposite from the portion of annular portion <NUM> adjacent gap <NUM>. Second portion <NUM> has first side <NUM> making up a first side of second portion <NUM> and second side <NUM> making up a second side of section portion <NUM>. As such, first side <NUM> and second side <NUM> form annular portion <NUM> and end portion <NUM>. End portion <NUM> has two holes <NUM> extending through end portion <NUM> from a first side of first side <NUM> to a second side of first side <NUM> and two holes <NUM> extending through end portion <NUM> from a first side of second side <NUM> to a second side of second side <NUM>. Holes <NUM> extending through first side <NUM> are in alignment with holes <NUM> extending through second side <NUM>. Holes <NUM> are sized to accept fasteners <NUM>.

More specifically, adapter clip <NUM> joins and secures harness <NUM> to engine clamp <NUM>. Adapter clip <NUM> is metal to withstand the harsh environment, including extreme temperatures and vibration, within the aircraft engine. Sleeves <NUM> act as attachment points for harness <NUM>. As such, first portion <NUM> attaches adapter clip <NUM> to engine clamp <NUM> and second portion <NUM> attaches adapter clip <NUM> to sleeve <NUM> of harness <NUM>. As such, harness <NUM> is attached to engine clamp <NUM> via adapter clip <NUM>.

First portion <NUM> of adapter clip <NUM> is inserted into engine clamp <NUM> such that first portion <NUM> is within engine clamp <NUM>. Specifically, because first end <NUM> is a free end, first end <NUM> can be inserted into the space formed by engine clamp <NUM> such that engine clamp <NUM> surrounds first portion <NUM>. Web portion <NUM> forms gap <NUM> between first portion <NUM> and annular portion <NUM> such that engine clamp <NUM> can be inserted into gap <NUM> and fit entirely around first portion <NUM>. Sleeve <NUM> of harness <NUM> is inserted into annular portion <NUM> of second portion <NUM> of adapter clip <NUM>. As such, sleeve <NUM> is within annular portion <NUM>. To insert sleeve <NUM> of harness <NUM> into annular portion <NUM>, first side <NUM> and second side <NUM> of second portion <NUM> are pulled apart from each other at end portion <NUM>. Sleeve <NUM> is inserted into annular portion <NUM> of second portion <NUM> while first side <NUM> and second side <NUM> are spaced apart. First side <NUM> and second side <NUM> are subsequently released such that first side <NUM> and second side <NUM> at end portion <NUM> are adjacent each other. First side <NUM> and second side <NUM> are secured together via fasteners <NUM> and holes <NUM> at end portion <NUM>. As such, second portion <NUM> is fastened together and secured to sleeve <NUM> of harness <NUM> at end portion <NUM>. Adapter clip <NUM> connects harness <NUM> to engine clamp <NUM>. Harness <NUM> is secured to engine clamp <NUM> via adapter clip <NUM> such that harness <NUM> is right above engine clamp <NUM>.

Harness <NUM> does not fit within engine clamp <NUM>, but can still be installed on the engine and joined to engine clamp <NUM> via adapter clip <NUM>. As such, engine clamps <NUM> can be easily adapted to harnesses <NUM> or other engine components with interfaces to the engine that have changed size. For example, a harness may be redesigned to result in sleeves that have changed size. While the engine clamp may be sized to receive a specific harness, the engine clamp can still attach to the redesigned harness via the adapter clip even though the sleeve no longer fits within the engine clamp. Thus, adapter clips <NUM> allow harnesses or other engine components to be redesigned and installed on the engine using existing engine clamps while accommodating the new size of the harnesses or engine components. As a result, the engine clamps do not need to be changed or updated. In some locations, engine clamps cannot be changed or are difficult to change, such as in locations that are difficult to access. Further, older engines may not accommodate updated engine clamps. Instead, new harnesses or other engine components can be installed via adapter clips <NUM>. Additionally, engine clamps of the same size can be installed throughout the engine and various adapter clips can be used to attach different engine components (the first portion of each adapter clip having the same size and the second portion of each adapter clip having a size that varies to correspond with respective engine components), simplifying engine clamp design and installation and engine component redesign and installation.

As first portion <NUM> is solid, first portion <NUM> is more rigid and fits more easily into engine clamp <NUM>. Further, because first end <NUM> of first portion <NUM> is rounded, first portion <NUM> can more easily be inserted into the opening of engine clamp <NUM>. Engine clamp <NUM> does not have an opening like that of engine clip <NUM> shown in <FIG>. As such, web portion <NUM> forms gap <NUM> to allow first portion <NUM> to slide into the space within engine clamp <NUM> and engine clamp <NUM> to slide into gap <NUM> while also providing structural support to adapter clip <NUM>. Web portion <NUM> also provides gap <NUM> between first portion <NUM> and annular portion <NUM> so that sleeve <NUM> of harness <NUM> is not resting on engine clamp <NUM>, avoiding potential wear points. First side <NUM> and second side <NUM> can be pulled apart to insert sleeve <NUM> into second portion <NUM>, allowing adapter clip <NUM> to have a simpler design, which is suitable for harsh environments. End portion <NUM> is connected to annular portion <NUM> opposite from gap <NUM> for ease of accessibility when securing second portion <NUM>. Fasteners <NUM> provide a strong and secure connection that can withstand engine vibrations.

<FIG> is an isometric view of adapter clip <NUM>. Adapter clip <NUM> includes first portion <NUM>, second portion <NUM>, web portion <NUM>, and gap <NUM>. First portion <NUM> includes first end <NUM> and second end <NUM>. Second portion <NUM> includes annular portion <NUM>, end portion <NUM>, first side <NUM>, and second side <NUM>. End portion <NUM> includes gap <NUM>.

Adapter clip <NUM> has generally the same structure and function as adapter clip <NUM> described with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>, including first portion <NUM>, second portion <NUM>, gap web portion <NUM>, and gap <NUM>, with first portion <NUM> including first end <NUM> and second end <NUM> and second portion <NUM> including annular portion <NUM>, end portion <NUM>, first side <NUM>, and second side <NUM>. However, adapter clip <NUM> does not include fasteners, and end portion <NUM> has gap <NUM> and does not include holes.

A crimped portion of first side <NUM> and second side <NUM> of second portion <NUM> form end portion <NUM>. End portion <NUM> has gap <NUM> between first side <NUM> and second side <NUM> and adjacent annular portion <NUM>. Sleeve <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) of harness <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) is inserted into annular portion <NUM> prior to crimping second portion <NUM>. Once the sleeve is within annular portion <NUM>, first side <NUM> and second side <NUM> are crimped, deforming the metal of first side <NUM> and second side <NUM> at end portion <NUM>, to secure first side <NUM> and second side <NUM> together at end portion <NUM>, thus securing second portion <NUM> of adapter clip <NUM> to sleeve <NUM> of harness <NUM>. First side <NUM> and second side <NUM> may be crimped via pinching with pliers, or any other suitable method. First side <NUM> and second side <NUM> are crimped to an extent that they provide secure attachment, but also form gap <NUM>.

Adapter clip <NUM> has generally the same structure and function as adapter clip <NUM> described with respect to <FIG>, including first portion <NUM>, second portion <NUM>, web portion <NUM>, and gap <NUM>, with first portion <NUM> including first end <NUM> and second end <NUM> and second portion <NUM> including annular portion <NUM>, end portion <NUM>, first side <NUM>, and second side <NUM>. However, adapter clip <NUM> has end portion <NUM> connected to a portion of annular portion <NUM> about <NUM> degrees from the portion of annular portion <NUM> opposite from the portion of annular portion <NUM> adjacent gap <NUM>.

End portion <NUM> may be connected to annular portion <NUM> up to <NUM> degrees from the portion of annular portion <NUM> opposite from the portion of annular portion <NUM> adjacent gap <NUM>. Varying the location of end portion <NUM> optimizes accessibility to end portion <NUM> for inserting sleeve <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) of harness <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) and securing second portion <NUM> to sleeve <NUM>, such as via crimping.

<FIG> is an isometric view of adapter clip <NUM>. Adapter clip <NUM> includes first portion <NUM>, second portion <NUM>, web portion <NUM>, gap <NUM>, and fasteners <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). First portion <NUM> includes first end <NUM> and second end <NUM>. Second portion <NUM> includes annular portion <NUM>, end portion <NUM>, first side <NUM>, and second side <NUM>. End portion <NUM> includes holes <NUM>.

Adapter clip <NUM> has generally the same structure and function as adapter clip <NUM> described with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>, including first portion <NUM>, second portion <NUM>, web portion <NUM>, and gap <NUM> with second portion <NUM> including annular portion <NUM>, end portion <NUM>, first side <NUM>, and second side <NUM>. However, diameter D1000 of first portion <NUM> is larger than diameter D2000 of annular portion <NUM>.

In this embodiment, a sleeve of a harness, or other engine component, is too small to fit within engine clamp <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). Diameter D1000 is an outer diameter of first portion <NUM>. Diameter D2000 is an inner diameter of annular portion <NUM>. Diameter D2000 is sized to fit around a smaller sleeve or other engine component. Adapter clip <NUM> joins the smaller sleeve of the harness to engine clamp <NUM> such that existing engine clamp <NUM> can still be used.

The various features described with respect to adapter clips <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be included in any combination on a single adapter clip. Further, multiple adapter clips of the same or differing sizes and having the same or various combinations of features may be used along the engine of an aircraft.

Claim 1:
An adapter clip comprising:
a first portion (<NUM>) of the adaptor clip configured to fit within an engine clip or an engine clamp;
a second portion (<NUM>) of the adaptor clip, the second portion (<NUM>) including:
an annular portion (<NUM>), the annular portion being configured to fit around an engine component;
an end portion (<NUM>) connected to the annular portion;
a first side (<NUM>); and
a second side (<NUM>);
wherein the first side and the second side form the annular portion and the end portion, and the first side and the second side can be pulled apart from each other and fastened together at the end portion;
a web portion (<NUM>) connected to the annular portion and the first portion;
wherein a diameter of the first portion differs from a diameter of the annular portion;
wherein the web portion is between the first portion and the annular portion, and the web portion provides a space between the first portion and the annular portion so that the engine clip can fit around the first portion such that the adaptor clip connects the engine clip to the engine component and so that the engine component does not rest on the engine clip;
wherein a length of the first portion is equal to a length of the annular portion, and the web portion extends an entirety of the length of the first portion and the length of the annular portion,
characterized in that the first portion is solid.