Adjustable Mounting Clamp for Consistent Multi-Size Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mounting clamps are size-specific, requiring multiple types to accommodate different structures and can apply inconsistent clamping forces, leading to unsafe or damaging attachments, and are often time-consuming to connect and disconnect.

Innovation Solution

A mounting clamp with a body, jaw, and actuator that adjusts between open and closed positions to accommodate different structure sizes, providing a consistent clamping force through pivots and an overcenter effect, allowing tool-free adjustment to various sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional mounting clamps are made size-specific to ensure proper clamping force, then clamping force consistency is improved, but device complexity and the number of required clamp types increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping force consistencyVSAvoidnumber of clamp types

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting clamp is designed with an adjustable jaw mechanism that can accommodate multiple structure member sizes (e.g., 3/8 inch, 7/16 inch, 1/2 inch) using a single clamp type. The jaw can be repositioned along the body to match different diameters, eliminating the need for multiple size-specific clamp variants while maintaining consistent clamping force through the spring mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable mounting clamps are designed to accommodate different structure sizes, then adaptability is improved, but clamping force consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure size accommodationVSAvoidclamping force consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp incorporates a spring mechanism that automatically adjusts the clamping force parameter based on the structure member size. When the jaw is repositioned to accommodate different diameters, the spring compression distance changes accordingly, maintaining consistent clamping force through elastic deformation rather than requiring manual force adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional mounting clamps require manual adjustment to different positions, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize adjustment capabilityVSAvoidadjustment convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The jaw is designed with a dynamic adjustment mechanism featuring notches and corresponding tabs that allow quick repositioning between predetermined positions. The user can easily snap the jaw into different notches to match various structure sizes without complex tools or procedures, making the adjustment process simple and intuitive.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If mounting clamps are designed for quick connection and disconnection, then ease of operation is improved, but clamping force consistency may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection speedVSAvoidclamping force consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp body includes pre-positioned notches that correspond to different structure member diameters. Before actual clamping occurs, the user simply selects the appropriate notch position based on the structure size, and the spring mechanism automatically configures the correct clamping force. This preliminary positioning action ensures both quick operation and consistent clamping force without requiring complex adjustments during the clamping process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 clamp ensures a consistent clamping force across different sizes without tools, optimizing attachment security and preventing damage, while being quick and easy to connect and disconnect.

Implementation Method 1

a spring selectively engageable with the moveable pivot to bias the jaw toward the open position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The second, third and fourth pivots are configured to provide an overcenter effect when the jaw is in the closed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS12409786B2Mounting clamp, accessory for vehicle having mounting clamp and accessory kit

Publication Date: 2025.09.09 SOUCY INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

Mounting clamps for coupling an accessory to a structure are disclosed. The mounting clamp includes a body configured to engage the accessory and to receive a portion of the structure, a jaw and an actuator. The jaw has a first member pivotally to the body by a first pivot that is selectively moveable, and a second member pivotally connected to the first member by a second pivot. When the first pivot is in a first position, the mounting clamp is in a first configuration adapted for clamping to a first portion of a first structure. When the first pivot is in a second position, the mounting clamp is in a second configuration adapted for clamping to a second portion of a second structure. The jaw, which is selectively adjustable between open and closed positions, is configured to clamp one of the first and second portions when in the closed position.