Clamp Assembly With Auto-Locking Securing Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp and clamping assembly designs require a separate locking pin that can be lost during installation and necessitate a secondary action for secure locking, which may be omitted or difficult in confined spaces, leading to incomplete locking and installation challenges.
Innovation Solution
A clamp with a socket section and latching arms, where the securing element is integrated and moves from a pre-lock to a securing position automatically upon engagement with the base support, using a trigger member with a spring beam to ensure secure locking without additional steps or tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a separate locking pin is used for securing the clamp to the base support, then the locking mechanism can be simple in structure, but the securing element may get lost during installation and requires a secondary action that may be omitted or difficult in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is integrated into the clamp body as a unified component rather than being a separate piece. The integrally formed securing element with latching arms and blocking section eliminates the risk of loss and ensures that the securing function is always present when the clamp is installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching arms are pre-positioned and spring-loaded to automatically engage with the base support mounting surface upon insertion. The blocking section is pre-configured to prevent disengagement, so the securing action occurs automatically during the primary installation motion without requiring a separate locking step.
2Reliability
If a secondary locking action is required to secure the clamp, then the locking can be made secure with both primary and secondary locks, but the installation process becomes more time-consuming and requires additional user attention
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded latching arms are pre-loaded and positioned to automatically snap into engagement with the mounting surface during the primary insertion motion. The blocking section is pre-configured to prevent disengagement, so the securing action occurs automatically during the primary installation motion without requiring a separate locking step.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp performs its own securing action through the automatic engagement of spring-loaded latching arms that snap into place during insertion. The integrally formed blocking section automatically prevents disengagement, eliminating the need for user intervention beyond the initial insertion motion.
3Ease of operation
If the securing element is mounted to the end of the socket section opposite to the clamping section, then the securing element is accessible during mounting, but the handling space required for insertion may be limited in confined environments
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is integrated into the clamp body as a unified component rather than being a separate piece. The integrally formed securing element with latching arms and blocking section eliminates the risk of loss and ensures that the securing function is always present when the clamp is installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching arms are spring-loaded and resilient, allowing them to flex during insertion and then snap into engagement. This dynamic behavior enables the securing element to function effectively in confined spaces where static securing mechanisms would require excessive clearance.
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
Facilitates easier and faster installation with a secure locking mechanism that prevents loss of the securing element and ensures complete locking, even in limited spaces, by integrating the securing element and using a spring beam for automatic positioning.
Implementation Method 1
The trigger member comprises a beam extending into the receptacle and is supported by at least one spring member
Implementation Method 2
the trigger member is resiliently deflected by the securing element by exerting a pushing force onto the trigger member
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
The invention relates to a clamp (71), a base support (1) and a clamping assembly (70). Clamping assemblies (70) of the prior art comprising a base support (1) and a clamp (71) provide a first and second locking feature, whereas engagement of the second locking feature demands for a second installation step in which a separate locking pin requires an insertion from the back of the clamping assembly (70) in order to secure the first lock. Certain spatial environments may not allow the end-user to perform this second installation step. Furthermore, a separate locking pin may get lost. The invention solves this problem by providing a clamp (71), a base support (1) and a clamping assembly (71) which are adapted to mount a securing member (77) prior to and during the mounting of the clamp (71) to the base support (1), and which automatically move the securing element (77) from the pre-lock position (103) to the securing position (125) after completion of the engagement between the clamp (71) and the base support (1).