Modular Beam Flange Clamp With Six-Way Strap Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam flange clamps are limited in their ability to securely attach multiple elongated articles like cables, hoses, and conduits due to fixed sizes and lack of adjustability, which restricts their use on variously sized structures and can lead to failure under clamping forces.
Innovation Solution
A beam flange clamp with a modular design featuring a clamp body and wedge-shaped retaining segments, providing multiple channels for cable ties or straps, adjustable sizes, and enhanced gripping surfaces like 'gecko' adhesives or micro-suction cups, along with a longer ramp and snap feature to prevent excessive force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size beam flange clamp is used, then the manufacturing and installation process is simple, but the clamp cannot adapt to beams of various sizes and may fail under clamping forces
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into a clamp body and multiple interchangeable wedge-shaped retaining segments. Each segment can be removed and replaced with another of different dimensions to match different beam sizes, enabling adaptability without redesigning the entire clamp structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp body is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple types of retaining segments. This multi-functional design allows a single clamp body to serve different beam sizes by simply changing the retaining segment, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple cable ties or straps are used to attach multiple articles, then the clamping capacity increases, but the straps may become creased and chafed leading to failure
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the number of straps in the same plane (which causes creasing and chafing), the invention provides multiple retaining segments that distribute articles along the longitudinal dimension of the clamp. This dimensional redistribution allows multiple articles to be secured without overlapping straps, eliminating the harmful effects of creasing and chafing while maintaining high reliability.
3Ease of operation
If a longer ramp is provided in the retaining segment, then the wedge effect is enhanced and installation is easier, but the clamp size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp length is optimized within each retaining segment to provide sufficient wedge effect for easy installation. By segmenting the clamp into multiple standardized units, the overall clamp length can be adjusted by selecting different numbers and types of segments, thus achieving ease of operation without necessarily increasing the total clamp length.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular retaining segments are used, then the clamp can be customized for different applications, but the device complexity and number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp body is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of retaining segments. This universality reduces the need for completely different clamp designs for various applications, as the same clamp body can be configured for different uses by simply changing the retaining segments, thus limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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 secure attachment of multiple articles on beams of varying sizes with reduced material costs and weight, while preventing strap creasing and chafing, and providing a tactile warning against excessive force, thus enhancing clamping range and durability.
Implementation Method 1
two wedge-shaped retaining segments configured to be received within the clamp body and engage with one another to close the opening
Implementation Method 2
enhanced gripping surfaces like 'gecko' adhesives or micro-suction cups
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener assembly includes a clamp body six channels extending therethrough configured to permit a cable tie or strap to be passed therethrough. A first channel is coplanar with and perpendicular to a second channel. A third channel is coplanar with and perpendicular to a fourth channel. A fifth channel is coplanar with and perpendicular to a sixth channel. The first and second channels are perpendicular to the third and fourth channels and parallel to the fifth and sixth channels. The fastener assembly includes a clamp body having an upper clamping arm, a lower ramp arm and a stress arm therebetween and a retaining segment slideably connected to the lower ramp arm. The lower ramp arm defines a pair of ramp ledges that are slideably received within a pair of wedge channels defined by the retaining segment.