Adjustable Clamp Assembly Using Eccentric Bushings for Tube Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp systems face challenges in aligning multiple clamps due to variations in tube dimensions and support structure positioning, requiring time-consuming match drilling and potentially introducing foreign object debris.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable clamp system with a base, clamp assembly, and eccentric bushings/serrations that allow for adjustable distance, bore size, and lateral position, enabling alignment without match drilling and reducing assembly time and debris risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If match drilling is used to align multiple clamps, then precise alignment is achieved, but assembly time increases and foreign object debris risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly incorporates pre-configured alignment features (serrations, positioning pins, or keyed interfaces) that are prepared in advance during manufacturing. These preliminary alignment mechanisms eliminate the need for time-consuming match drilling during assembly, as components can be directly positioned and secured without requiring precise hole alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary alignment mechanism (such as positioning pins, serrated interfaces, or guide features) that mediates between the clamp and support structure. This intermediary feature facilitates accurate alignment without requiring direct hole-to-hole matching, thereby reducing assembly time and debris generation while maintaining precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If match drilling is used to align multiple clamps, then precise alignment is achieved, but foreign object debris is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the drilling operation from the assembly process by incorporating pre-drilled or pre-formed alignment holes and features into the clamp assembly during manufacturing. This removes the source of foreign object debris (drilling operations) from the assembly environment while preserving the ability to achieve precise alignment through the pre-configured features.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary alignment mechanism (positioning pins, serrated interfaces, or guide features) is introduced to mediate the alignment process without requiring drilling operations. This intermediary feature enables precise positioning while eliminating the harmful effect of drilling-generated debris in the assembly environment.
3Device complexity
If fixed position clamps are used, then simple structure is maintained, but adaptability to varying tube dimensions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms (such as movable clamps, adjustable flanges, or repositionable securing features) that allow the clamp to be dynamically repositioned along the support structure. This dynamic capability enables the same simple clamp design to accommodate varying tube dimensions and positions without requiring complex custom configurations for each variation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adjustable clamp system efficiently accommodates varying tube dimensions and support structure features, reducing assembly time and minimizing debris, while maintaining secure tube positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a first eccentric bushing coupling the first flange of the clamp assembly to the first clamp-support portion of the base. The first eccentric bushing is rotatable relative to the first flange to translate the clamp assembly in a first direction relative to the base and adjust a distance between the clamp and the anchor portion of the base
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, an adjustable clamp system includes a base, a clamp assembly, and a first eccentric bushing. The base includes an anchor portion configured to couple the base to a support structure, a first clamp-support portion extending from the anchor portion, and a second clamp-support portion extending from the anchor portion. The clamp assembly includes a clamp defining a bore, a first flange extending from a first side of the clamp and coupled to the first clamp-support portion, and a second flange extending from a second side of the clamp and coupled to the second clamp-support portion. The first eccentric bushing couples the first flange to the first clamp-support portion. The first eccentric bushing is rotatable relative to the first flange to translate the clamp assembly in a first direction relative to the base and adjust a distance between the clamp and the anchor portion of the base.