Adjustable Clamp Assembly for Girder Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp assemblies for securing I-section girders require an interposed location plate, which prevents direct contact between girders, increases space envelope, and necessitates multiple plates for different sizes, and are costly due to forged steel construction, while also being difficult to assemble on-site.
Innovation Solution
A clamp assembly with four frame side members and resilient connectors that allow adjustable spacing and direct contact between girders, using slots for beam clamps to secure the members without the need for on-site drilling or welding, and can be manufactured more economically without forging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If an interposed location plate is used to connect two girders, then structural interconnection is achieved, but direct contact between girders is prevented and space envelope increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the interposed location plate from the connection system. Instead of using a separate plate between girders, the clamp assembly directly connects the girders through their flanges, allowing direct contact and reducing the overall space envelope while maintaining structural interconnection strength
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly merges the functions of positioning and clamping into a single integrated device. The clamp body with integrated positioning features eliminates the need for separate location plates, enabling direct girder contact while maintaining proper alignment and structural connection
2Reliability
If a location plate with fixed hole positions is used, then girders of a particular size can be connected, but on-site adjustment is not facilitated and multiple plates are needed for different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly incorporates adjustable positioning features that allow the clamp to adapt to different girder sizes and positions. The movable positioning elements can be adjusted on-site to accommodate various configurations, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-size plates while maintaining reliable connection
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly is designed as a universal connection device that can accommodate multiple girder sizes and configurations through its adjustable features. A single clamp design serves multiple functions and sizes, replacing the need for multiple specialized location plates
3Strength
If forged steel clamping plates are used, then anti-slip capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly uses composite construction combining cast or fabricated steel components with textured or serrated surfaces. Instead of expensive forged steel throughout, the design uses cost-effective manufacturing methods with surface treatments or integrated texture features to achieve the required anti-slip capability
4Volume of moving object
If four clamping plates and threaded fasteners are used to enable flush fit, then direct contact between girders is achieved, but on-site assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly merges multiple clamping and positioning functions into a single integrated device. Instead of requiring separate clamping plates and fasteners that need coordinated installation, the unified clamp assembly simplifies the assembly process while achieving flush fit and direct girder contact
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp assembly for securing together in a superimposed relationship two elongate members each having a pair of opposite edge regions, includes a clamping frame having four frame members, the frame members of a first pair of the frame members being spaced apart by a second pair and the frame members of the second pair being spaced apart by the first pair, the second pair allowing the spacing of the frame members of the first pair to be varied whereby the first pair may be brought into contact with opposite edge regions of a first of the elongate members and/or the first pair allowing the spacing of the frame members of the second pair to be varied whereby the second pair may be brought into contact with opposite edge regions of the second of the elongate members, the two pairs of frame members being interconnected by first connection elements.