Adjustable Clamping Jaws for Universal Guardrail Post Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing crash barrier post systems require multiple receiving tubes for different post widths, increasing assembly and disassembly time due to the need for specific locking devices that match the width of the guardrail post.

Innovation Solution

A clamping device with adjustable first and second clamping jaws, actuated by a threaded spindle, allows for universal mounting on differently shaped guardrail posts by generating a clamping force that secures the receiving tube, enabling the same device to be used across various post widths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking device with fixed clamping jaws is used to match the width of the guardrail post, then the locking reliability is improved, but the adaptability to different post widths deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to different post widths
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping jaws are designed to be adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the receiving tube, allowing their distance from each other to be dynamically changed. This enables the same locking device to adapt to different guardrail post widths while maintaining reliable locking through the threaded spindle mechanism that ensures synchronized movement and proper clamping force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device is designed with adjustable clamping jaws that can accommodate multiple guardrail post widths, making a single device universal for different post configurations. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized locking devices while maintaining reliable locking performance across various applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If different receiving tubes are used for different post widths, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using different receiving tubes for different post widths, the invention provides a single receiving tube with adjustable clamping jaws that can accommodate various widths. This reduces device complexity by eliminating the need to manage multiple tube types while maintaining reliable locking through the adjustment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving tube incorporates adjustable clamping jaws that can be positioned at different distances from each other along the longitudinal axis, allowing one tube design to serve multiple width requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability replaces the need for multiple static tube designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of clamping jaws is required for different post widths, then the adaptability is improved, but the assembly and disassembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different post widthsVSAvoidassembly and disassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The threaded spindle mechanism enables quick adjustment of the clamping jaws by converting simple rotational motion into precise linear displacement. This allows operators to rapidly adapt the clamping jaw distance to match different post widths, significantly reducing assembly and disassembly time compared to manual adjustment methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The distance between clamping jaws is easily changed by rotating the threaded spindle, which transforms the adjustment process into a simple parameter change operation. This enables rapid adaptation to different post widths without time-consuming manual adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution reduces assembly and disassembly time, allows for symmetric fixation of the receiving tube, and can be used on various guardrail post shapes, enhancing efficiency and ease of use while minimizing mechanical stress on the post material.

Implementation Method 1

the adjusting element is designed as a threaded spindle that engages with the first and second clamping jaws. Advantageously, the manual rotary movement can be converted into a translational movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

the threaded spindle can have a counter-rotating thread, so that a clamping device with adjustable first and second clamping jaws can be easily provided. If both clamping jaws are adjustable, the adjustment range required to achieve the same clamping force is half that of the design with a fixed clamping jaw

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCounter-rotating thread mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3441526B1Safety barrier post with road sign retaining device
Publication Date: 2021.03.17 GERLAND DENNIS
  • EP3441526B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3441526B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3441526B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for mounting a shaft tube for a traffic sign on a guardrail post (5) with a receiving tube (1) for receiving the shaft tube, with a locking device (4) for locking and unlocking the receiving tube on the guardrail post, wherein the locking device comprises a clamping device fixedly connected to the receiving tube, which has a base body (11) connected to the receiving tube, a first clamping jaw (12) and a second clamping jaw (13), wherein the first clamping jaw and/or the second clamping jaw is adjustable in a position transverse to the longitudinal extent of the guardrail post, and has an adjusting element (14) for bringing the clamping device into a locking position in which the first clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw exert a clamping force on the guardrail post in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extent of the guardrail post.and to move the clamping device into a non-locking position in which the first clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw do not exert any clamping force on the guardrail post.