Horizontal Beam Clamping Structure for Secure Tool-Free Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions fail to provide a secure, tool-free, and easily attachable/detachable method for attaching elements to horizontal beams without damaging them, especially on dynamic surfaces like boats or furniture, where attachments may disengage upon bumping or jostling.
Innovation Solution
A clamping structure formed from a single elongated rod with a series of bends, dividing it into sections for secure attachment to beams, featuring angled portions for enhanced grip and flexibility, allowing easy installation and removal without tools, and accommodating various beam sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a clamping device is designed to be easily attached and removed without tools, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of the attachment may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device utilizes elastic deformation of the rod to create a dynamic locking mechanism. The rod is bent into a configuration where sections can elastically deform during attachment and detachment operations, allowing tool-free operation while maintaining secure attachment during use. The elastic recovery force ensures reliable attachment without requiring tools.
2Strength
If the clamping structure is designed to withstand movement and weight, then the strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rod is segmented into multiple functional sections through bending, including first and second sections with different orientations. This segmentation allows each section to perform specific functions (e.g., engagement, support, locking) while collectively providing strong attachment capability. The segmented structure achieves high strength without requiring additional components or complex mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If the clamping device is made from a single elongated rod, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the adaptability to different beam configurations may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The rod is bent into a configuration where the orientation and angle of different sections can be adjusted or varied. By changing the geometric parameters (angles, lengths, orientations) of the rod sections, the device can adapt to different beam sizes and configurations while still being manufactured from a single rod, maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
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 clamping structure provides a secure, tool-free attachment that withstands movement and weight, ensuring the holding elements remain firmly attached to beams without risk of disengagement, while being adaptable to different beam configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The clamping structure may be formed from a single elongated rod having a series of bends
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping structure comprising an elongated rod having a plurality of bends for attaching to a horizontal beam. The clamping structure includes back portions adjacent the back of the beam, lower portions adjacent to the bottom of the beam, one or more top portions adjacent to the top of the beam and extending forward of the beam, and front portions which are angled away from the front of the beam. The clamping structure may be used to temporarily attach a holding element such as a cup holder or hook to the horizontal beam, and the holding element may be attached to the clamping structure or may be made from the same elongated rod as the holding element.