Clamp Closure Flap Joint for Reliable Pin Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamps lack a material-saving and structurally simple yet reliable closure mechanism, which is essential for securely holding elongate objects while minimizing material usage and design complexity.

Innovation Solution

A clamp design featuring a closure flap that pivots through a passage opening to form a joint with a locking pin, utilizing an elastic ring to secure the flap in place, allowing for a compact and reliable closure mechanism with reduced complexity, where the flap catches the locking pin in a through-opening, preventing easy removal and allowing easy insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional locking mechanism is used to secure the closure flap, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidclosure mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the locking flap and locking pin into a single integrated closure mechanism. The locking flap is formed as one piece with the closure element, eliminating the need for separate locking components. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable locking through the simple flap-pin interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the essential locking function from complex traditional mechanisms and implements it through a simplified flap-pin system. By taking out only the necessary locking action and implementing it through a single flap element that pivots to engage with the pin, the mechanism achieves reliability without complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Device complexity

If a compact closure mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosure mechanism complexityVSAvoidjoint alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by providing adjustable positioning elements for the locking pin and flap. The pin can be positioned at different locations along its length, and the flap can be adjusted to different angular positions. This adjustability compensates for manufacturing tolerances and simplifies alignment requirements while maintaining the compact design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the locking pin is securely fixed in the clamp ring, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidlocking operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies dynamics by making the locking pin movable along the clamp ring circumference while maintaining secure fixation at the locked position. The pin can be easily inserted and removed by sliding it along the ring, but once positioned, it securely engages with the locking flap. This dynamic capability allows easy operation while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution provides a compact, material-saving, and reliable closure mechanism that securely holds elongate objects with minimal design complexity, ensuring the locking pin cannot be easily pulled out while allowing easy insertion, thus enhancing the structural simplicity and reliability of the clamp.

Implementation Method 1

the clamp has an elastic ring for closing the locking flap

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3669109B1Clamp with closing flap in the passage opening for the plug
Publication Date: 2021.11.24 HILTI AG
  • EP3669109B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3669109B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a clamp comprising a clamp ring (1) with a receiving space (5) for receiving an elongate object, an insertion opening (6) for inserting the elongate object into the receiving space (5) and a closing element for closing the insertion opening (6), the closing element comprising a closing pin (20) arranged on the clamp ring (1), on a first end region (11) of the clamp ring (1), a through-opening (15) for the closing pin (20), arranged in the clamp ring (1), on a second end region (12) of the clamp ring (1), and a closing flap (30) for locking the closing pin (20) in the through-opening (15), arranged on a second end region (12) of the clamp ring (1), the closing flap (30) passing through the through-opening (15) for the closing pin (20), forming a joint.