Universal Beam Clamp Geometry for Easier Orthogonal Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamp units for securing orthogonal universal beams are inconvenient to position and do not allow for tight clamping, often requiring precise alignment and having narrow apertures that can lead to slip or twist during connection.

Innovation Solution

A clamp unit design with angled cut-outs and throughgoing bores that accommodate flange portions of orthogonal beams, allowing for easier insertion and alignment, and featuring a wider flange insertion opening and longer bores for secure clamping, enabling secure connection of two orthogonal universal beams.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the opening width of cut-outs is made constant and narrow, then the clamp unit structure is simple, but the beams cannot be easily inserted and require precise positioning from start

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertionVSAvoidcut-out structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cut-outs transition from static narrow openings to dynamic wide openings that allow beam flanges to be inserted at various angles and positions, then progressively clamped as bolts are tightened. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction between ease of insertion and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The opening width of the cut-outs is changed from constant and narrow to variable and wide, allowing the clamp unit to accommodate beams at different positions and orientations during insertion, then maintain secure clamping once positioned.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the aperture length for receiving bolt stems is made short, then the clamp unit is compact, but slip or twist of clips can occur during connection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidaperture length

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The wide openings and longer apertures are designed to preliminarily accommodate and guide the beam flanges and bolt stems into proper alignment before final tightening, preventing slip or twist during the connection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The extended aperture acts as an intermediary zone that guides the bolt stem into proper alignment with the beam flange, allowing for self-alignment and preventing misalignment or twisting during insertion and tightening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If welding is used to secure beams, then the connection is strong, but the process is time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The welding process (thermal/chemical system) is replaced with a mechanical bolted connection system using clamp units with cut-outs and throughgoing bores, achieving comparable connection strength while dramatically reducing assembly time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection method is changed from permanent welding to reversible mechanical fastening, maintaining structural integrity while enabling faster assembly and disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of repair

If flame cutting or angle grinder is used for separation, then the beams can be separated, but the process is inconvenient and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation easeVSAvoidseparation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal cutting processes (flame cutting, angle grinding) are replaced with simple mechanical unbolting of the clamp units, making separation as easy and fast as the assembly process and eliminating the need for expensive cutting equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4295056B1A clamp unit for securing together universal beams and a beams assembly of universal beams

Publication Date: 2024.12.18 TMR LOCK APS

Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a

AI summary

A clamp unit (100), for use in conjunction with three similar clamp units to secure together two substantially orthogonal universal beams, is provided. The clamp unit comprises a first retention section (101a) with a first connection part (102a) and, interconnected therewith, a second retention section (101 b) with a second connection part (102b). A first cut-out (103a) is provided in the first retention section (101a) and faces a second cut-out (103b) provided in the second retention section (101 b). The first cut-out (103a) is formed for accommodating portions of a flange of a first of the orthogonal beams and the second cut-out (103b) is formed for accommodating portions of a flange of a second of the orthogonal beams. The first retention section (101 a) holds a first throughgoing bore (109a) being orthogonal to a second throughgoing bore (109b) provided in the second retention section (101b).