Angled Clamp Assembly for I-Beam Fairing Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp assemblies for securing panels to I-beams are inefficient for angled fairings, requiring complex installation and losing support when used at angles, which complicates the mounting process and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A clamp assembly with inclined surfaces and wedge-shaped side blocks that create a wedging force to secure the assembly to I-beam flanges, allowing the flat surface for fairing attachment to be angled relative to the I-beam while maintaining support along the central axis, using a single bolt for attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flat surface clamping assembly is used perpendicular to the I-beam, then the installation is simple and support is provided along the entire length, but the fairing cannot be installed at an angle to the trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping assembly is divided into a clamping block with a flat surface for fairing attachment and a central body that contacts the I-beam. This segmentation allows the flat surface to be oriented at an angle while the central body remains aligned with the I-beam axis, enabling angled fairing installation while maintaining simple operation and full support.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the clamping assembly is installed at an angle to the I-beam, then the fairing can be mounted at the correct angle, but the I-beam no longer provides support along the entire length of the clamping assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping assembly separates the support function (central body aligned with I-beam) from the mounting function (flat surface at angle), ensuring continuous support along the I-beam length while achieving correct fairing orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping block has an asymmetric design where the flat surface is angled relative to the central body axis. This asymmetry allows the flat surface to be positioned at the required angle for angled fairings while the central body maintains alignment with the I-beam for full-length support.
3Strength
If multiple plates and bolts are used to mount the fairing, then the fairing is securely attached, but the installation requires considerable time and multiple mechanics
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping block integrates the fairing attachment surface and the I-beam contact surface into a single component, eliminating the need for multiple separate plates and bolts. This merging maintains secure attachment while dramatically reducing installation time to a single mechanic operating alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping block serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a mounting surface for the fairing, contacts the I-beam for support, and enables angled installation. This multi-functionality replaces the traditional multi-component system, improving both security and installation speed.
4Strength
If traditional mounting devices are used, then the fairing can be attached, but the installation involves handling considerable weight and requires two or more mechanics
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping block combines multiple mounting functions into a single lightweight component, reducing the total weight that must be handled during installation while maintaining full mounting capability and security.
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
Enables rapid and secure installation of angled fairings on I-beams with minimal labor and cost, maintaining support integrity even under impact or wind forces, and accommodating various fairing orientations without the need for drilling or welding.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of side blocks with wedge-shaped surfaces, the wedge-shaped surfaces on the side blocks acting on the inclined surfaces of a central body of a clamping block so as to create a wedging force
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp assembly is provided for securing a panel or fairing to an I-beam, and comprises a pair of side blocks and a clamping block having a central body and a flat surface at at least one end of the central body. The side blocks and the clamping block are secured together using a single bolt. The flat surface at the end of the central body is positioned at an angle to the central body, so as to provide an angled surface for mounting of a fairing.