A clamping and locking assembly for a cassette

Abstract

Herein disclosed is a clamping and locking assembly for electrical energy storage device cassettes, comprising a rear clamp assembly and a front clamp assembly. Each of the rear clamp and front clamp assemblies includes a respective rear clamp and a front clamp positioned on a dock in an electric vehicle or within a compartment of a charging and interchange station. The rear clamp comprises a base plate with at least one projection. A complementary rear clamp receiver, located on a cassette, includes at least one recess configured to receive said projection. The front clamp comprises a base plate with at least one body projecting upward, from which a projection extends forward. A front clamp receiver, positioned on the cassette, includes a recess complementary to the front clamp's projection. A cam plate receiver is also integrated on the base plate to receive a cam plate of a locking mechanism.

Description

A clamping and locking assembly for a cassetteCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONThis application is based on and derives the benefit of Indian Provisional Application IN202441065078, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to dock clamping and locking provisions for electrical energy storage device cassettes, and more particularly to a mechanism for clamping and locking an electrical energy storage device cassette in a vehicle dock in an electrical energy storage device interchange station and / or in a vehicle.BACKGROUND

[0002] Currently, there is a significant global shift towards the adoption of electric vehicles, driven by their numerous advantages. This trend extends to heavy-duty electric vehicles (HEVs), which are increasingly becoming prominent in various industries. However, the practice of electrical energy storage device interchange for such vehicles presents several challenges. Given the substantial size of electrical energy storage devices required for heavy electric vehicles, issues arise concerning their handling, installation within the vehicle, and management at charging and interchange stations.

[0003] Further, within the vehicle environment, the dynamic nature of movement exposes electrical energy storage devices to constant vibration and uneven loads, posing risks of dislodgement and potential damage to components. Furthermore, the design dilemma arises from the necessity for electrical energy storage devices to be securely mounted yet easily removable for interchange purposes.

[0004] Hence, there is a need in the art for solutions which will overcome the above mentioned drawback(s), among others.OBJECTS

[0005] The principal object of embodiments herein is to disclose a clamping and locking assembly for clamping an electrical energy storage device cassette in a vehicle dock in an electrical energy storage device interchange station and / or in a vehicle

[0006] Another object of embodiments herein is to disclose a clamping and locking assembly for an electrical energy storage device cassette that ensures the stable and secureattachment of the electrical energy storage device within the vehicle or the electrical energy storage device interchange station.

[0007] Another object of embodiments herein is to disclose a clamping and locking assembly for an electrical energy storage device cassette that can absorb and mitigate the effects of vehicle vibrations and road irregularities.

[0008] Another object of embodiments herein is to disclose a clamping and locking assembly for an electrical energy storage device cassette that can distribute the weight of the electrical energy storage device evenly across its mounting points.

[0009] Another object of embodiments herein is to disclose a clamping and locking assembly for an electrical energy storage device cassette that can facilitate swift and effortless removal of the electrical energy storage device from the vehicle or the electrical energy storage device interchange station for maintenance, servicing, or interchange purposes.

[0010] Another object of embodiments herein is to disclose a clamping and locking assembly for an electrical energy storage device cassette that can ensure compatibility with various electrical energy storage device sizes and configurations commonly used in heavy electric vehicles (HEVs).

[0011] Another object of embodiments herein is to disclose a clamping and locking assembly for an electrical energy storage device cassette that is user-friendly, safe, durable, and reliable.

[0012] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating at least one embodiment and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.SUMMARY

[0013] A clamping and locking assembly is disclosed, wherein the clamping and locking assembly comprises a rear clamp assembly and a front clamp assembly. The rear clamp assembly includes a rear clamp positioned on a dock in an electric vehicle or within a compartment of a charging and interchange station. The rear clamp comprises a base plate withat least one projection extending from its operational front. A rear clamp receiver, located on the cassette, is complementary to the rear clamp and includes at least one recess configured to receive the projection from the rear clamp. The projection of the rear clamp may include a notch to ensure firm retention within the rear clamp receiver. Ribs may be integrated with the rear clamp to support the projection and prevent deformation due to misalignment. The rear clamp assembly may feature two or more projections extending from the base plate, and these projections may be shaped as triangular or trapezoidal prisms. The recess of the rear clamp receiver may include a lock nib to engage the projection’s notch during cassette insertion. A slot may also be provided in the recess to accommodate the rear clamp ribs.

[0014] The front clamp assembly includes a front clamp mounted on a dock in an electric vehicle or a charging and interchange station. This front clamp comprises a base plate with at least one body projecting upward, from which a projection extends forward. A cam plate receiver is also integrated on the base plate to receive a cam plate of a locking mechanism. A front clamp receiver, positioned on the cassette, includes a recess complementary to the front clamp’s projection. The front clamp projection may also feature a notch for firm engagement with the front clamp receiver, and may be reinforced with a rib to resist misalignment deformation. The cam plate receiver includes a cavity designed to complement the cam plate’s engaging surface. The front clamp receiver’s recess is designed to receive the projection during insertion and may further include a lock nib to engage the notch and stabilize the projection.

[0015] The distance between adjacent front projections can be greater than that between rear projections, with the front and rear projections being positioned out of line to enhance stability. Both the rear and front clamp assemblies are designed to engage their respective receivers to prevent rotational movement or wobbling of the cassette. The arrangement of the clamps also prevents over-insertion of the cassette, protecting electrical and fluid connectors from damage.

[0016] The cassette may include a locking mechanism with a cam plate that engages the cam plate receiver to prevent back-and-forth motion. The lock may be cam-operated, and the assembly can be integrated within an electrical energy storage device interchange station or an interchange-enabled electric vehicle. The cassette itself may house multiple electrical energy storage devices along with additional units and sensors, such as, but not limited to, a management unit, telematics unit, thermal management system, and various sensors.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0017] Embodiments herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the following illustrative drawings. Embodiments herein are illustrated by way of examples in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a rear clamping assembly, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0019] FIGs. 2 A & 2B illustrate a side view and a sectional side view of a rear clamping assembly respectively, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional top view of a rear clamping assembly, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of the rear clamp of a rear clamping assembly, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of a rear clamp receiver of a rear clamping assembly, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of a front clamping and locking assembly, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a front clamping and locking assembly, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0025] FIGs. 8A & 8B illustrate a sectional side view of a front clamping and locking assembly, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0026] FIG. 9 illustrates a sectional top view of a front clamping and locking assembly, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0027] FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric view of a front clamp of a front clamping and locking assembly, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and

[0028] FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric view of a front clamp receiver of a front clamping and locking assembly, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0030] For the purposes of interpreting this specification, the definitions (as defined herein) will apply, and whenever appropriate, the terms used in the singular will also include the plural and vice versa. It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purposes of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “comprising”, “having” and “including” are to be construed as open-ended terms unless otherwise noted.

[0031] The words / phrases "exemplary", “example”, “illustration”, “in an instance”, “and the like”, “and so on”, “etc.”, “etcetera”, “e.g.,”, “i.e.,” are merely used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein using the words / phrases "exemplary", “example”, “illustration”, “in an instance”, “and the like”, “and so on”, “etc.”, “etcetera”, “e.g.,”, “i.e.,” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0032] Embodiments herein may be described and illustrated in terms of blocks which carry out a described function or functions. These blocks, which may be referred to herein as managers, units, modules, hardware components or the like, are physically implemented by analogue and / or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits and the like, and may optionally be driven by a firmware. The circuits may, for example, be embodied in one or more semiconductor chips, or on substrate supports such as printed circuit boards and the like. The circuits constituting a block may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or by a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry), or by a combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions of the block and a processor to perform otherfunctions of the block. Each block of the embodiments may be physically separated into two or more interacting and discrete blocks without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, the blocks of the embodiments may be physically combined into more complex blocks without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0033] It should be noted that elements in the drawings are illustrated for the purposes of this description and ease of understanding and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flowcharts / sequence diagrams illustrate the method in terms of the steps required for understanding aspects of the embodiments as disclosed herein. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the present embodiments so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Furthermore, in terms of the system, one or more components / modules which comprise the system may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the present embodiments so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0034] The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any modifications, equivalents, and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings and the corresponding description. Usage of words such as first, second, third etc., to describe components / elements / steps is for the purposes of this description and should not be construed as sequential ordering / placement / occurrence unless specified otherwise.

[0035] The embodiments herein achieve a clamping and locking assembly for clamping an electrical energy storage device cassette in a vehicle dock in an electrical energy storage device interchange station and / or in a vehicle. The embodiments herein achieve secure and stable retention of electrical energy storage device cassettes within a dock or compartment by employing a dual clamp and locking mechanism. Embodiments herein facilitate precise alignment during insertion, prevent unwanted movement such as vibration or axial displacement, and minimize the risk of over-insertion that could damage connectors.Embodiments herein support rapid engagement and disengagement, enhancing the efficiency of cassette interchange operations. Additionally, embodiments herein accommodate mechanical robustness, compatibility with automated handling systems, and adaptability to various cassette configurations and applications in electric vehicles and interchange stations.

[0036] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 11, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.

[0037] The following terms and reference numerals have been referred to herein:100 - Rear Clamp Assembly110 - Rear Clamp112 - First base plate114 - First projection116 - First notch118 - Support Ribs110 - Rear Clamp120 - Rear Clamp Receiver122 - First recess124 - First lock nib200 - Front Clamp and Locking Assembly210 - Front Clamp212 - Second base plate214 - Body216 - Second projection218 - Second notch220 - Front Clamp Receiver222 - Second recess224 - Second lock nib240 - Cam Plate250 - Cam Plate Receiver252 - Cavity

[0038] FIGs. 1-11 illustrates a clamping and locking assembly for an electrical energy storage device cassette. A cassette as referred to herein, can be an electromechanical structure integrated with one or more electrical energy storage devices comprising multiple energy cells, alongside components such as, but not limited to, a management unit, a telematics unit, a thermal management system, sensors, and so on, designed for energy management and storage. The clamping and locking assembly for an electrical energy storage device cassette includes a rear clamp assembly 100, a front clamp 210, and a lock assembly 200.

[0039] FIGs. 1- 5 illustrate the rear clamp assembly 100 for a cassette. The rear clamp assembly 100 includes a rear clamp 110 and a rear clamp receiver 120. The rear camp assembly is designed to securely hold and lock the cassette in place within a vehicle dock or an electrical energy storage device interchange station

[0040] The rear clamp 110 is provided with a first base plate 112. The first base plate 112 is configured to be mounted on a dock in the electric vehicle or a charging and interchange station at the rear end. At least one projection 114 (i.e., the first projection 114) is projecting out of the operational front of the first base plate 112. The first projection 114 can be provided with a first notch 116 configured to firmly hold the first projection 114 within the rear clamp receiver 120. The first notch 116 provides a secure point of engagement that resists disengagement due to vibration or other forces. The design of the first notch 116 can be varied in different embodiments to optimize the locking mechanism, such as incorporating different depths or angles to enhance the grip. In alternative embodiments, the first notch 116 may be replaced with other locking features such as, but not limited to, a series of ridges or a spring- loaded pin, and so on, for enhanced security.

[0041] A plurality of ribs 118 can be provided to support the first projection 114 and prevent the first projection 114 from deformation due to nonalignment. In alternative embodiments, the number, size, and arrangement of these ribs can be adjusted to provide optimal support while minimizing weight and material usage. In alternative embodiments, the ribs 118 may be replaced with a honeycomb structure or integrated support beams for improved weight distribution and strength.

[0042] In an embodiment herein, two or more first projections 114 are projecting out of the first base plate 112. The first projections 114 can take various shapes, such as a triangular prism shape or a trapezoidal prism shape, depending on the specific design requirements and the complementary shape of the rear clamp receiver 120.

[0043] The first base plate 112 serves as the foundation for the rear clamp 110, providing stability and support for the entire assembly. In alternative embodiments, the first base plate 112 may be made of various materials (such as, but not limited to, metal alloys, high- strength polymers, and so on) to suit different weight and durability requirements.

[0044] The rear clamp receiver 120 can be designed to complement the rear clamp 110 and is located at the rear end of the cassette. The rear clamp receiver 120 is provided with at least one first recess 122 complementary to the first projection 114 on the rear clamp 110. This first recess 122 is shaped to accommodate the first projection 114 snugly, ensuring a secure fit when the cassette is inserted into the dock.

[0045] The first recess 122 is provided with a first lock nib 124 complementary to the first notch 116 on the first projection 114. The first lock nib 124 is configured to engage the first notch 116 during the insertion of the cassette into the dock. This engagement ensures that the cassette remains firmly in place during operation and transportation. In alternative embodiments, the first lock nib 124 may be spring-loaded or magnetized to provide additional securing force.

[0046] In some embodiments, the first recess 122 is provided with a slot to accommodate the ribs 118 on the rear clamp 110. This ensures that the ribs 118 do not interfere with the insertion process and allows for a smoother, more precise alignment of the rear clamp 110 and the rear clamp receiver 120.

[0047] In an embodiment herein, multiple rear clamp assemblies can be provided based on the requirement.

[0048] Additional sensors or electronic components could be integrated into the rear clamp assembly 100 to provide feedback on the cassette's position or to detect any misalignment during insertion. This could enhance the safety and reliability of the clamping system, particularly in automated battery exchange stations.

[0049] FIGs. 6-11 illustrate a front clamp and lock assembly 200. The front clamp and lock assembly 200 includes a front clamp 210, a front clamp a receiver 220, and a lock 240.

[0050] The front clamp 210 is provided with a second base plate 212. The second base plate 212 is configured to be mounted on the dock of the electric vehicle or the charging and interchange station at the substantial front end. The second base plate 212 serves as the foundation for the front clamp assembly, providing stability and a secure attachment point. In alternative embodiments, the second base plate 212 may be made of various materials (such as, but not limited to, steel, aluminium, high-strength polymers, and so on) depending on the specific requirements of the application.

[0051] At least one body 214 can project upwards from the second base plate 212. This body 214 serves as a support structure for the projections that engage with the cassette. In some embodiments, multiple bodies 214 may be present, spaced evenly along the second base plate 212 to provide balanced support and engagement points. At least one second projection 216 protrudes out of the operational front of the body 214. The second projection 216 is provided with a second notch 218 configured to firmly hold the proj ection within the front clamp receiver 220. This notch-and-receiver design ensures a secure connection and prevents accidental disengagement. In alternative embodiments, the second projection 216 may have different shapes (such as, but not limited to, a rounded or tapered end), to facilitate easier insertion into the receiver. In an embodiment herein, the first projection 114 may be reinforced with a rib to prevent deformation of the second projection 216 due to misalignment.

[0052] A cam plate receiver 250 is provided on the second base plate 212, designed to receive a cam plate 245 of the lock 240 mounted on the cassette. The cam plate receiver 250 features a cavity 252 complementary to the engaging part of the cam plate 245. This mechanism forms the final locking element of the assembly, preventing any back-and-forth motion of the cassette once it is fully inserted.

[0053] The front clamp receiver 220 is located on the cassette, complementary to the front clamp 210. The front clamp receiver 220 can have at least one second recess 222 complementary to the second projection 216 on the front clamp 210. The second recess 222 is configured to accommodate the second projection 216 during the insertion of the cassette into the dock of the vehicle or the charging and interchange station. The second recess 222 is further provided with a second lock nib 224 complementary to the second notch 218 on the second projection 216. The second lock nib 224 securely engages the second notch 218 to provide stability to the second projection 216.

[0054] In an embodiment herein, the distance between two adjacent second projections is greater than the distance between two adjacent first projections. Specifically, the second projection is out of line with the first projection. This configuration provides additional stability and prevents misalignment during insertion.

[0055] In an embodiment herein, the lock 240 can be a cam-operated lock mechanism. When the cassette is fully inserted, the cam plate 245 of the lock 240 engages with the cam plate receiver 250. This engagement locks the cassette from 'back and forth' motion, effectively preventing the cassette from slipping out of the dock of the vehicle or compartment of the charging and interchange station. Alternative embodiments of the lock 240 may include electronic locking mechanisms, electromechanical locking mechanisms, two-factor authentication mechanisms, or biometric security features for enhanced safety and control.

[0056] In operation, as the cassette is inserted into the dock or compartment, the front clamp 210 and rear clamp 110 engage with their respective receivers on the cassette. The front clamp 210 engages with the front clamp receiver 220, while the rear clamp engages with its corresponding receiver. This dual engagement system locks the cassette from unwanted rotational movement or wobbling, ensuring a stable and secure connection. Further, the position of the front clamp 210 and the rear clamp 110 also prevent the cassette from excess insertion causing damage to the electrical and fluid connector. Once the cassette is fully inserted, the cam plate 245 of the lock 240 engages the cam plate receiver 250 and locks the cassette from a ‘back and forth’ motion; i.e., the cassette slipping out of the dock of the vehicle or compartment of the charging and interchange station. In an embodiment herein, the lock 240 can be a cam-operated lock mechanism.

[0057] The clamping and locking assembly described in FIG. 5 represents a robust and versatile solution for securing electrical energy storage device cassettes. Its design allows for quick and secure installation and removal of cassettes, while also providing safeguards against improper insertion and accidental disconnection. This system can be adapted for various sizes and types of electrical energy storage devices, making it suitable for a wide range of electric vehicles and charging station designs.

[0058] The embodiments described herein have several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a clamping and locking assembly,- that securely retains the cassettes within a dock or compartment during operation, charging and transportation;- that prevents unwanted movement of the cassette, including vibrations, rotational shifts, and axial displacement;- that ensures precise alignment during insertion and removal, thereby reducing wear and mechanical errors;- that allows for quick and efficient locking and unlocking operations, enabling rapid cassette interchange;- that enhances the mechanical stability and structural integrity of the overall energy storage system;- that is adaptable to a variety of cassette sizes, configurations, and docking system architectures;- that minimizes the risk of improper engagement or incomplete locking through guided insertion and interlocking features;- that supports compatibility with automated systems for hands-free cassette handling and secure docking;- that provides a reliable mechanical interface that contributes to consistent electrical and thermal connectivity; and- that can be optionally enhanced with monitoring or feedback mechanisms to verify secure engagement and operational readiness.

[0059] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments and examples, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments and examples disclosed herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Claims

STATEMENT OF CLAIMSWe claim:

1. A clamping and locking assembly, comprising: a rear clamp assembly (100); and a front clamp assembly (200); wherein the rear clamp assembly (100) includes: a rear clamp (110) located on a dock in an electric vehicle or a compartment of a charging and interchange station, the rear clamp (110) having a first base plate (112) and at least one first projection (114) projecting out of an operational front of the first base plate (112); a rear clamp receiver (120) located on the cassette complementary to the rear clamp (110), the rear clamp receiver (120) having at least one first recess (122) complementary to the first projection (114) on the rear clamp (110); wherein the front clamp assembly (200) includes: a front clamp (210) located on a dock in an electric vehicle or a compartment of a charging and interchange station, the front clamp (210) having a second base plate (212) and at least one body (214) projecting upwards from the second base plate (212), with at least one second projection (216) projecting out of an operational front of the body (214); and a cam plate receiver (250) provided on the second base plate (212) configured to receive a cam plate (245) of a lock (240); and a front clamp receiver (220) having at least one second recess (222) complementary to the second projection (216) on the front clamp (210).

2. The clamping and locking assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first projection (114) of the rear clamp (110) is provided with a first notch (116) configured to firmly hold the projection within the rear clamp receiver (120).

3. The clamping and locking assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the rear clamp (110) includes a plurality of ribs (118) configured to support the first projection (114) and prevent the projection from deformation due to nonalignment, wherein the first recess (122) of the rear clamp receiver (120) is provided with a slot to accommodate the plurality of ribs (118).

4. The clamping and locking assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rear clamp assembly (100) includes two or more first projections (114) projecting out of the first base plate (112).

5. The clamping and locking assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first projection (114) of the rear clamp (110) has one of a triangular prism shape and a trapezoidal prism shape.

6. The clamping and locking assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first recess (122) of the rear clamp receiver (120) is provided with a first lock nib (124) complementary to the first notch (116) on the first projection (114) and configured to engage the first notch (116), when the cassette is inserted into the dock.

7. The clamping and locking assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second projection (216) of the front clamp (210) is provided with a second notch (218) configured to firmly hold the second projection (216) within the front clamp receiver (220), wherein the second projection (216) of the front clamp (210) is reinforced with a rib to prevent deformation of the projection.

8. The clamping and locking assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cam plate receiver (250) is provided with a cavity (252) complementary to an engaging part of the cam plate (245).

9. The clamping and locking assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second recess (222) of the front clamp receiver (220) is configured to accommodate the second projection (216) during the insertion of the cassette into the dock of the vehicle or the compartment of a charging and interchange station, wherein the second recess (222) of the front clamp receiver (220) is provided with a second lock nib (224) complementary to the second notch (218) on the second projection (216), and the second lock nib (224) is configured to securely engage the second notch (218) to provide stability to the second projection (216).

10. The clamping and locking assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein a distance between two adjacent second projections is greater than a distance between two adjacent first projections (114), wherein the second projection is out of line with the first projection (114).

11. The clamping and locking assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rear clamp assembly (100) and the front clamp assembly (200) are configured to engage with the rear clamp receiver (120) and front clamp receiver (220) respectively to lock the cassette from at least one of unwanted rotational movement, and wobbling.

12. The clamping and locking assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein positions of the front clamp (210) and the rear clamp (110) prevents the cassette from excess insertion causing damage to electrical and fluid connectors.

13. The clamping and locking assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cassette includes a lock (240) having a cam plate (245) configured to engage with the cam plate receiver (250) to lock the cassette from back and forth motion.

14. The clamping and locking assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lock (240) is a cam- operated lock mechanism.

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