Electrical Clamping Device Radial Holding Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical clamping devices struggle to reliably maintain the screw in an open position during transportation and installation, as they are prone to vibration-induced misalignment and require complex high-precision tools for precise positioning, leading to potential jamming and operational issues.

Innovation Solution

A clamping device with a radially movable holding element that exerts a force on the screw head, providing a frictional connection and axial force component to prevent screw movement, featuring a reach-through opening narrower than the screw head and a flexible retaining element that fixes the screw through its material properties and design, allowing for independent positioning of multiple screws without high-precision tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a thread brake with irregularity is used to prevent screw movement, then the screw is restrained from moving, but repeated actuation causes irreparable damage to the thread or reduction in braking effect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescrew positioning reliabilityVSAvoidthread durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The holding element is designed as a separate, radially movable component integrated into the housing part, distinct from the screw thread itself. This segmentation allows the holding function to be isolated from the threading mechanism, preventing damage to the thread while maintaining reliable positioning through the independent holding element that can be reset or replaced separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding element acts as an intermediary between the housing part and the screw head. Instead of directly damaging the thread through irregularities, the holding element provides a mediating mechanism that restrains the screw through radial movement and frictional contact, preserving the integrity of both the thread and the housing part.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the screw is clamped on a housing part with a passage opening smaller than screw head, then the screw is prevented from being lost, but vibration can still release the clamping effect and the screw moves into undefined position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescrew retentionVSAvoidscrew position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The holding element is designed to be radially movable rather than fixed. This dynamic characteristic allows the holding element to adapt to the screw head during engagement and maintain continuous contact under varying conditions including vibration. The movable nature enables the holding element to self-adjust and maintain stable positioning without being released by vibrational forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The holding element utilizes frictional connection and axial force components that can be influenced by material properties and geometric design. By optimizing parameters such as contact surface area, friction coefficient, and force distribution, the holding element maintains reliable screw positioning even under vibrational conditions that would release simpler clamping mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If complex and highly precise tools are used to achieve exact positioning of the screw in open position, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescrew positioning precisionVSAvoidpositioning mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding element automatically engages with the screw head when the screw is in the open position, providing self-positioning functionality. The radially movable design allows the holding element to naturally align and contact the screw head without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or highly precise tooling during assembly, thereby achieving reliable positioning with simpler manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

By optimizing the geometric parameters of the holding element (such as its length, shape, and contact surface design), the patent achieves reliable screw positioning through inherent mechanical characteristics rather than complex adjustment mechanisms. The inclined contact surface and frictional connection provide self-centering and positioning effects that eliminate the need for highly precise tools in production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Ensures reliable and easy maintenance of the screw in the open position from production to installation, preventing jamming and allowing for independent clamping of multiple screws, reducing the need for precise tools and enhancing stability against vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

there is a frictional connection between the holding element and the screw head

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The screw, which was previously free, slides frictionally along the holding element, which is thereby moved radially outwards. The screw is fixed by the flexible material properties and the resilient mounting of the retaining element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2502312B1Electrical clamping device
Publication Date: 2016.08.03 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP2502312B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2502312B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2502312B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical clamping device comprising a clamping body having a screw and a clamping piece, wherein the screw is movably arranged in an opening of the clamping body and is rotatably connected to the clamping piece. Arranged above the screw is a housing part, which has a through-opening narrowed by a rim for access to the screw head.