Articulating constricting clamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Attaching rigid structures like pipes or beams to surfaces that are not parallel poses challenges in avoiding stress, twisting, or distortion, as existing solutions require adjustments that can lead to uneven connections.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a domed base with a rotating and swiveling lug, a mid clamp that articulates with the base, and a top clamp that secures the tube, allowing for self-alignment and secure mounting without removable screws, using mechanical fasteners, adhesives, or fusion for attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid structures are attached to non-parallel surfaces using conventional clamps, then the structures can be mounted to the surface, but stress, twisting, or distortion occurs in the tube
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly incorporates a domed base with a lug that can rotate and articulate, allowing the clamp to dynamically adapt to non-parallel surfaces. The mid clamp can swivel on the base, and the top clamp can be positioned at various angles, enabling the system to self-align to uneven surfaces without creating stress or distortion in the rigid structure being clamped.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the clamp assembly by using a domed base shape instead of a flat base, and by allowing the lug and mid clamp to rotate through various angles. This enables the clamp to accommodate non-parallel surfaces by adjusting its orientation parameters, thereby mounting securely while maintaining tube integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional clamps are used on uneven surfaces, then mounting can be achieved, but adjustments are required that create uneven connections
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is designed to self-align and self-adjust to non-parallel surfaces through the rotating lug and articulating mid clamp mechanisms. The system automatically compensates for surface unevenness without requiring manual adjustments or alignment procedures, thereby achieving both ease of manufacture and connection uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic rotation and articulation capabilities of the lug and mid clamp allow the assembly to automatically adapt to varying surface angles during installation. This eliminates the need for precise pre-adjustment while maintaining uniform connection quality across non-parallel surfaces.
3Ease of operation
If removable screws are used on clamps, then installation is easier, but the tube can be removed after installation
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is segmented into distinct components (domed base, lug, mid clamp, top clamp) that can be assembled and installed easily, yet once installed, the configuration creates a permanent, non-removable connection. The segmentation allows for simple installation while the interlocking nature of the components prevents subsequent removal.
4Strength
If multiple clamps are used to secure a tube, then the tube is firmly attached, but the clamps cannot be positioned on non-parallel surfaces without creating stress
Solution Approach 1:
Each clamp in the multiple-clamp system incorporates the domed base with rotating lug and articulating mid clamp, allowing each clamp to independently adjust to the local surface angle. This dynamic adjustment capability enables multiple clamps to be positioned on non-parallel surfaces while maintaining firm attachment without creating stress or distortion in the tube.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a Clamp system that is able to rotate and swivel on a base allowing it to self-align itself to the part being secured. When the clamp is tightened to the part it is securing, the base, clamp and part all become rigid and unable to swivel or rotate.