Adjustable clamping storage system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current snap-in or snap-out devices are limited in size and weight capacity, prone to breakage, and unable to accommodate a wide variety of objects, especially larger and heavier items.
Innovation Solution
A holder assembly with adjustable clamping arms made of high-density polyethylene, featuring a wedge mechanism for size adjustment and a stabilization mechanism to prevent tilting, capable of holding objects with a circumference of ¾ inches to 7 inches and up to 35 lbs, and compatible with various tracks and surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If snap-in or snap-out devices are designed to hold larger and heavier objects, then the clamping force and arm strength must be increased, but the arms become prone to breakage and form weak spots over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material for the housing and arms, which provides both the necessary strength to handle heavier objects (up to 35 lbs) and the durability to prevent breakage. The HDPE material combines impact resistance with structural integrity, allowing the arms to maintain high clamping force without forming weak spots over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters by using high-density polyethylene instead of traditional plastics, and adjusts the arm thickness and structural parameters to handle larger weights. The arms are designed with specific dimensional parameters (thickness, width) that optimize both strength and resistance to breakage under repeated use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the clamping arms are designed to accommodate a wide variety of object sizes, then the device becomes more versatile, but the arms are prone to breakage when holding larger items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism with a wedge and adjustment screw that allows the user to change the spacing between clamping arms to accommodate objects from 3/4 inches to 7 inches in circumference. The arms can be dynamically adjusted to match the specific size of the object being held, optimizing both versatility and structural strength for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism changes the geometric parameters of the arm spacing to accommodate different object sizes. The wedge mechanism allows continuous adjustment of the arm position, enabling the device to adapt to various circumferences while maintaining adequate arm strength through the HDPE material construction.
3Force
If the housing is made larger to accommodate bigger objects, then the device can hold heavier items, but the housing becomes more prone to tilting and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a stabilization adjustment mechanism with a bolt and knob that acts as an intermediary to secure the housing to the track system. This mechanism prevents tilting and instability by creating a rigid connection between the housing and the mounting surface, allowing the housing to be made larger for heavier items without compromising stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilization mechanism changes the positional parameters of the housing relative to the track system. The bolt and knob adjustment allows precise positioning and securing of the housing, preventing tilting while accommodating larger weight capacities up to 35 lbs.
4Force
If the clamping arms are made thicker and stronger to hold heavier objects, then the weight capacity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses high-density polyethylene material that provides high strength-to-weight ratio, allowing the arms to be designed with optimized thickness rather than excessive mass. This material choice enables the device to achieve high weight capacity (35 lbs) without requiring overly complex or thick arm structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the dimensional parameters of the arms (thickness, width, length) to achieve the necessary strength for holding 35 lbs while minimizing overall complexity. The HDPE material allows for thinner, lighter arms compared to traditional materials, reducing structural complexity while maintaining weight capacity.
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 holder assembly securely holds objects of varying sizes and weights, preventing tilting and damage, and can be mounted on different surfaces or tracks, providing a versatile storage solution for tools and equipment.
Implementation Method 1
each arm is a spring biased arm
Implementation Method 2
The contact surface of each arm of the opposed clamping arms is provided with a rubberized coating or cover
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable holder assembly and a track for supporting a plurality of holder assemblies thereon where each holder assembly adjusts to hold objects of various sizes, weights, dimensions, shapes and uses. The track slidably supports a plurality of holder assemblies spaced apart thereon. For example, the holder assemblies may each hold a different object and the spacing between each holder assembly adjusted to accommodate the objects held therein and/or hanging therefrom without interference from adjacent objects.