Clamping Collar Spring Clip for Angular Misalignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing clamping systems with polygonal threaded nuts and screws face increased operating forces due to radius reduction when the screw is tightened, and complex, expensive mounting solutions are required to manage the angular position between the nut and screw.

Innovation Solution

A U-shaped spring clip with legs and retaining tabs is used to securely hold the threaded nut against rotation, allowing for play-free mounting and flexible angle compensation, enabling easier assembly and higher torque absorption without additional components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the threaded nut is rigidly fixed to the clamping element, then mounting precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring clip serves itself by using its elastic deformation to automatically position and secure the threaded nut. The clip's resilience allows it to self-adjust during assembly, eliminating the need for separate positioning mechanisms or additional fastening components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The spring clip changes its physical state from a flexible assembly aid to a rigid positioning structure once deformed and secured to the clamping element. This parameter change allows the same component to provide both assembly flexibility and final mounting precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If the threaded nut is held in a spring clip, then ease of assembly is improved, but mounting precision may worsen due to potential play

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidmounting precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The spring clip transitions from a dynamic, flexible state during assembly to a static, rigid state during operation. The elastic deformation required for assembly temporarily allows movement, but once secured, the clip maintains a fixed position that ensures precise mounting of the threaded nut.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Force

If the clamping screw is tightened, then clamping force is improved, but operating force increases due to angular position change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping forceVSAvoidoperating force
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spring clip acts as an intermediary between the threaded nut and the clamping element, absorbing angular misalignment through its elastic deformation. This mediator allows the nut and screw to maintain optimal angular positioning during tightening, reducing the operating force required while maintaining effective clamping force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 spring clip design simplifies the mounting process, allows for angle compensation, and absorbs torque, facilitating the insertion of the clamping screw into the threaded nut, reducing assembly complexity and costs while maintaining secure locking.

Implementation Method 1

a spring clip (7) which is latched to the clamping element (1) on the clamping head (4) so that the threaded nut (6) is held in the spring clip (7) so that it cannot rotate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2481939B1Clamping collar
Publication Date: 2015.07.01 NORMA GERMANY GMBH
  • EP2481939B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2481939B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2481939B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a clamping element (1) with a clamping screw (5) which interacts with a polygonal threaded nut (6). For easy pre-assembly, the threaded nut (6) is held in a rotationally secure position in a spring clip (7) which is locked to the clamping element (1).