Bolt Clamp With Interlocking Counter Trays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing U-clamps for fastening long-form goods like cables to profile rails require multiple parts and fail to securely fix two parallel cables, leading to increased inventory needs and instability under tensile or compressive forces.
Innovation Solution
A counter trough with a profile on one side that can connect with another identical trough to form a double trough, using longitudinal webs or dovetail-like projections for secure positioning and locking, reducing the number of parts needed and ensuring stable fixation of two cables within a single clamp.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a double tray with different shape is used to secure two parallel cables, then the clamp can hold two cables, but the fitter has to stock a larger number of parts and the double trays have no positional fixation between the cables
Solution Approach 1:
The double tray is segmented into two identical single trays that can be connected together. Each single tray has the same standardized shape and can be used independently or combined. The connection is achieved through profile elements (longitudinal ribs) that engage with corresponding recesses, allowing two identical trays to form a stable double tray structure without requiring separately shaped double trays.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a double tray with different shape is used to secure two parallel cables, then the clamp can hold two cables, but these double trays have no positional fixation between the cables in tensile or shearing direction
Solution Approach 1:
The profile elements (longitudinal ribs and recesses) are pre-formed on the single trays during manufacturing. When two trays are connected, these pre-formed features automatically provide positional fixation and prevent displacement in tensile and shearing directions, eliminating the need for additional fixation mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different shaped trays are stocked for different cable configurations, then various cable arrangements can be secured, but inventory requirements and part complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single tray design serves multiple functions: it can be used alone for single cable support, connected to another identical tray for dual cable support, and the connection can be configured in different orientations. The universal profile elements (longitudinal ribs and recesses) enable this multi-functionality, allowing one standardized part to replace multiple specialized parts.
Data Source
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Figure 2
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AI summary
In order to create a clamp (1) for fastening long components, such as cables (2), to a profile rail, which reduces the number of parts to be kept in stock by the installer on site, and which, on the other hand, after positioning between two long components such as cables arranged parallel to each other, provides a travel limitation both in the insertion direction and in the pulling direction of the long component, and which is cost-effective and easy to manufacture and has a long service life, it is proposed that the counter tray (8) has a profile on its side facing away from the long component, in particular cables (2), by means of which the counter tray (8) can be connected or joined to the profile of another, identical counter tray (8) to form a double tray (18).