Clamping Device with Elastic Tongues for Axial Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices are inefficient due to long assembly times and low pull-out resistance, as they require screwing with a helical movement and have rigid retaining means that can deform under high forces, leading to unreliable assembly, especially in final assembly lines.
Innovation Solution
The clamping device employs flexible and elastic tongues arranged in a convergent manner, which automatically engage with the threaded section upon axial insertion, providing automatic retention and high pull-out resistance through a soyer stopper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If rigid retaining means (screwing indentations) are used to engage with the threaded section, then the clamping device can be manufactured simply, but the assembly time increases due to required helical screwing movement and the pull-out resistance decreases under high forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the retaining means from rigid to flexible and elastic. The tongues are designed with specific elasticity to enable automatic engagement through axial insertion alone, eliminating the need for helical screwing movements and significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining means transition from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible system. The elastic tongues can deform during axial insertion to allow automatic engagement with the threaded section, then return to their original position to provide secure retention, enabling rapid assembly without complex screwing operations
2Device complexity
If rigid retaining means (screwing indentations) are used to engage with the threaded section, then the structure is simple, but the pull-out resistance is low because the rigid tabs deform irreversibly under high pull-out forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical properties of the retaining means from rigid to flexible and elastic. This parameter change allows the tongues to deform elastically under high pull-out forces and return to their original position, maintaining engagement with the threaded section and providing high pull-out resistance without increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic tongues are designed to absorb and cushion high pull-out forces through their flexibility. This beforehand cushioning prevents irreversible deformation and unexpected release of the locking device, ensuring reliable retention even under extreme loads while maintaining a simple structural design
3Area of stationary object
If multiple clamping devices are used for large parts, then the assembly coverage is improved, but the total assembly time increases significantly due to the sequential tightening requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the engagement mechanism from requiring helical screwing movement to simple axial insertion. This parameter change allows multiple clamping devices to be installed simultaneously on large parts without sequential tightening, significantly improving assembly speed while maintaining adequate coverage across large assembly areas
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
This design simplifies and accelerates assembly by allowing axial thrust and slight screwing for tightening, while enhancing the mechanical strength and reliability of the clamping device by increasing pull-out resistance.
Implementation Method 1
the retaining means consist of a plurality of flexible and elastic tongues
Implementation Method 2
The axial insertion movement of the screw member in the locking clip causes the radial separation of the free ends of the flexible tabs
Implementation Method 3
a soyer is arranged at the periphery of the passage hole in the direction of the flexible tabs to constitute a stop at the free ends during the axial withdrawal of the rod
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The clamping device comprises: a screw member with a bearing head and a shank equipped with a threaded portion, a retainer (10) comprising a base (21) equipped with a through-hole (20) for the passage of the shank of the screw member, and retaining means supported by the base (21) to lie vertically in line with the through-hole (20), and designed to collaborate with the threaded portion in order axially to immobilize the screw member relative to the retainer (10). The retaining means consist of flexible and elastic tabs (22, 23) arranged such that they converge. Their free ends (221, 231) between them determine a gap (d) smaller than the nominal diameter of the threaded portion (15) so that they automatically engage with the threads of the threaded portion (15) when the shank (12) is inserted axially into the through-hole (20). A burr (29) is arranged at the periphery of the through-hole (20) towards the flexible tabs (22, 23) to form an end stop for the free ends (221, 231) when the shank (12) is axially withdrawn.