Band Clamp Lug Structure to Prevent Rod Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing band clamp designs face challenges in securely clamping objects without causing the clamp to tip forward, which can lead to bending of the threaded rod and binding issues during tightening.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a lug with a barrel and side rails that include a transverse platform and cross members, allowing the band to pass through and exert pressure, while the threaded rod applies a vector tightening force that reduces the likelihood of the lug tipping forward by directing the force to the lowest point possible, thus maintaining contact with the object and preventing rod bending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the threaded rod applies tightening force to the lug, then the clamping force is improved, but the lug may tip forward causing rod bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a counterbalancing force through the barrel-lug interface to offset the tipping moment generated by the threaded rod tightening force. The barrel positioned on the back portion of the lug creates a counteracting moment arm that prevents forward tipping, allowing the tightening force to be applied effectively without causing instability or rod bending.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the force application by positioning the barrel on the back portion of the lug rather than at the front. This creates a moment arm in the vertical dimension that counteracts the horizontal tipping tendency, transforming a single-dimensional force application into a multi-dimensional force system that achieves both tightening and stability.
2Ease of operation
If the lug is allowed to tip forward during tightening, then the tightening operation is simpler, but the threaded rod bends and binding occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel positioned on the back portion of the lug creates a counterbalancing moment that prevents forward tipping during tightening. This counterweight mechanism maintains threaded rod integrity throughout the tightening operation, eliminating binding issues while keeping the operation simple and reliable.
3Reliability
If the lug maintains contact with the object during tightening, then clamping effectiveness is improved, but the lug may still tip forward under the tightening force
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel-lug interface creates a counterbalancing moment that prevents forward tipping while the lug maintains contact with the clamped object. This counterweight mechanism ensures both clamping effectiveness and stable lug positioning throughout the tightening process.
Solution Approach 2:
By positioning the barrel on the back portion of the lug, the patent creates a vertical moment arm that counteracts horizontal tipping forces. This dimensional approach allows the lug to maintain contact with the object for effective clamping while preventing instability through the counterbalancing moment.
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 configuration effectively prevents the lug from tipping forward, allowing smooth movement of the threaded rod and maintaining tight contact with the object, ensuring secure clamping without rod deformation.
Implementation Method 1
the threaded rod applies a vector tightening force that reduces the likelihood of the lug tipping forward by directing the force to the lowest point possible
Data Source
AI summary
A lug used to construct a band clamp. The lug includes a rod receiving portion connected to a band receiving portion. The rod receiving portion has a distal portion opposite a proximal portion and a through-channel that allows a threaded rod to pass therethrough. The band receiving portion has head and tail portions and a passageway that allows the band to travel over the head and tail portions. The band receiving portion allows the band to be wrapped partway around the head portion after traveling over the head portion and thereafter to travel under both the head and tail portions. The proximal portion is closer to the passageway than the distal portion. The rod applies a tightening force directly to the band receiving portion and/or the proximal portion of the rod receiving portion. The rod does not apply the tightening force directly to the distal portion.