Chain Clamp Extrusion Links for Telecommunications Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting solutions for telecommunications equipment on support structures are complex, expensive to produce, laborious to install, and often require multiple nuts to be tightened correctly, with issues related to rigidity and flexibility, and may not accommodate varying diameters efficiently without additional costly components.
Innovation Solution
A chain clamp with links cut from an elongated extrusion having a fixed cross-sectional profile, allowing for a lightweight, strong, and adjustable structure that can be easily manufactured and assembled, featuring a hollow structure with an outer skin and inner reinforcement, and a tensioner system to securely clamp around support structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional ring mounts with multiple metal members and threaded rods are used, then the mounting structure provides sufficient strength and stability, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The chain clamp divides the mounting structure into discrete link segments that can be connected in a chain configuration. Each link is a separate component that can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining strength through the chain linkage mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into the link structure itself - each link serves as both a structural element and a mounting point. The attachment portions are integrated directly into the link geometry rather than being separate components, simplifying the overall device.
2Reliability
If multiple nuts and threaded rods are used to assemble the mounting structure, then the structure achieves proper engagement and clamping force, but the ease of manufacture decreases and assembly becomes laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from separate nuts and threaded rods and integrates it directly into the link structure. The attachment portions are formed as inherent features of the links themselves, eliminating the need for separate fastening components and simplifying both manufacturing and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The link structure is designed to be self-assembling through the chain connection mechanism. The links naturally engage with each other through their geometric configuration, requiring minimal additional fastening operations compared to traditional assembled structures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid threaded bolts are used to connect metal members, then the structure maintains stability, but the flexibility to wrap around support structures of varying diameters is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The chain clamp transitions from a rigid assembled structure to a dynamic chain configuration where links can rotate and flex relative to each other. This allows the structure to adapt to varying diameters while maintaining stability through the tensioned chain configuration and secure link connections.
4Weight of moving object
If the chain clamp uses links cut from an elongated extrusion with hollow structure, then the weight decreases and manufacturing becomes more economical, but the structural complexity of the link profile increases
Solution Approach 1:
The link structure utilizes a hollow thin-walled extrusion profile that provides high strength-to-weight ratio. The hollow section acts as a structural shell that maintains rigidity while minimizing material usage and weight, with the complex profile achieved through efficient extrusion manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The extrusion profile parameters are optimized to achieve the desired balance between weight reduction and structural integrity. The hollow section dimensions, wall thickness, and cross-sectional geometry are carefully controlled during extrusion to provide necessary strength while minimizing weight.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a chain clamp (1) for clamping around an elongated object (2), such as a mast or pole, and for serving as a support for separate objects (3), such as telecommunications equipment, wherein the chain clamp (1) comprises: - a plurality of links having two attachment portions, - at least one connection member, connecting two different links at their respective attachment portion and keeping them together in a chain fashion, - a tensioner, adapted to connect to the first and second link and to force the links towards each other to tension the chain clamp (1) and clamp it around the elongated object (2), wherein the chain clamp is distinguished by that at least one link (4) is a piece cut from an elongated extrusion having a fixed cross-sectional profile. The invention also concerns a method for producing a chain clamp and a chain clamp as obtainable by such a method.