Clamp Assembly with Movable Member for End-Free Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp assemblies require longitudinal sliding to be installed and removed from elongated structures, which can be inconvenient and inefficient, especially when access to the ends of the structure is limited.
Innovation Solution
A clamp assembly design featuring a movable member and a releasable connection that allows the clamp body to be fixed and loosened without requiring longitudinal sliding, enabling installation and removal without accessing the ends of the elongated structure, utilizing a combination of movable members and adjustable connections to secure and release the clamp on the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional clamp assembly is used, then the clamp can be securely fixed on the elongated structure, but the installation and removal require longitudinal sliding which is inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp body is divided into separate components: a fixed portion and a movable portion with a releasable connection. This segmentation allows the clamp to be installed and removed independently from the elongated structure without requiring longitudinal sliding of the entire clamp body, thus improving ease of operation and reducing installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The releasable connection mechanism transforms the static clamp-structure connection into a dynamic one, allowing easy transition between locked and unlocked states. The movable member can be positioned to engage or disengage from the elongated structure, enabling quick installation and removal without time-consuming sliding operations.
2Productivity
If the clamp body is made movable for easy installation, then installation time is reduced, but the reliability of secure fixation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The movable member is pre-configured with engagement features that automatically secure the clamp body to the elongated structure when positioned correctly. This preliminary arrangement of engagement mechanisms ensures that once the movable member is in place, reliable fixation is achieved without requiring additional securing operations, thus maintaining both productivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The releasable connection acts as an intermediary mechanism between the clamp body and the elongated structure. It provides a controlled interface that ensures secure fixation when engaged, while allowing easy disengagement when needed. This intermediary mechanism reconciles the conflicting requirements of secure fixation and easy installation by providing a dedicated connection system that prioritizes both reliability and efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp assembly that can be installed on and removed from its mounting on an elongated structure (e.g., 2×4) without the need for sliding past an end of the structure is disclosed. The clamp assembly may include a pair of clamp bodies with pads for engaging a workpiece. Each of the clamp bodies includes a clamp mount with a movable member arranged to be moved into forced engagement with an exterior surface (e.g., side) of the 2×4 to fix the clamp body on the 2×4. At least one of or both of the clamp bodies include a releasable connection that, when released, allows for the removal of the clamp body from the 2×4 without the need to longitudinally slide the body past an end of the 2×4.