Clamping bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brackets for holding sensors in industrial automation systems are often complex, difficult to install, and lack precise adjustment capabilities, leading to suboptimal sensor positioning and increased risk of loss during installation.
Innovation Solution
A simplified clamping bracket design featuring a single or multi-piece construction with angled edges that complement grooves on the sensor casing, allowing for easy installation and precise positioning, with a fastening mechanism that applies pressure to securely hold the sensor in place without requiring removal from the mounting surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional brackets are used to hold sensors, then the sensor can be positioned, but the brackets are cumbersome and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is divided into multiple components: a U-shaped body with arms, a separate fastening mechanism, and groove interfaces. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, making the overall installation process simpler and more manageable while reducing the complexity of any single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket design incorporates self-aligning grooves that automatically guide the sensor into the correct position during installation. The complementary grooves in the bracket arms and sensor casing create a self-service mechanism that eliminates the need for complex adjustment tools or procedures, thereby improving ease of installation without increasing overall device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional brackets are used, then the sensor can be held, but precise adjustment capabilities are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The complementary grooves act as an intermediary mechanism between the bracket and sensor. These grooves provide precise geometric constraints that guide the sensor into exact positioning without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms. The groove interfaces serve as mediators that translate simple installation actions into precise sensor placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket design utilizes specific geometric parameters of the grooves (depth, width, angle) to control sensor positioning precision. By carefully designing these groove parameters, the system achieves high positioning accuracy without adding complex adjustment mechanisms, as the precision is built into the fundamental geometry of the bracket-sensor interface.
3Reliability
If conventional brackets are used, then the sensor can be mounted, but the risk of loss during installation is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket design incorporates preliminary engagement features where the sensor is first guided into place by the complementary grooves before final fastening occurs. This preliminary action secures the sensor against loss during the installation process, while the overall design remains simple and easy to operate. The grooves prevent the sensor from slipping or falling out during installation before the fastening mechanism is fully engaged.
4Strength
If a fastening mechanism is added to secure the sensor, then the sensor can be held firmly, but the installation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism is merged with the U-shaped bracket body, forming an integrated assembly rather than separate components. The fastening elements are incorporated into the bracket arms themselves, combining the structural support function with the securing function. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall system while maintaining strong sensor holding capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping bracket comprising, one or more bracket pieces, can be employed to hold an object in a desired position. The bracket can be constructed to make installation of the bracket with respect to the object easy and intuitive to the user, and more cost effective. The clamping bracket can have a top portion and bottom portion of the bracket that extend outward from a base portion of the bracket. Ends of the top and bottom portions can complement a groove formed in a casing of the object, wherein the ends of the top and bottom portions can be inserted into the groove. A fastener can be inserted through holes in the top and bottom portions, wherein, when the fastener is tightened down on the bracket, the fastener can cause the ends of the top and bottom portions to clamp down on and hold the object within the bracket.