Clamping Device With Secondary Locking Pin For Cable Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamping devices, such as P-clamps, are difficult to use, especially when securing cables in hard-to-reach areas, as they require wrapping the clamp around cables, aligning holes, and securing it to a structure with one hand, which can be challenging and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a clamp frame that moves between open and closed configurations, featuring a coupling end and base with profiles for locked engagement, and a secondary locking mechanism using a rotatable locking pin with a distal lobe to secure the clamp frame, allowing for easy installation and adjustment without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional P-clamp is used to secure cables, then the cable can be held at a designated position, but the clamping device is difficult to use in hard-to-reach areas and requires complex alignment and securing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp frame is divided into two separable portions: a coupling end and a coupling base. This segmentation allows the clamp to be opened for easy installation around cables without requiring alignment of holes, and the portions can be independently positioned before being locked together.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling end and coupling base are pre-configured with complementary coupling surfaces that automatically align when the clamp is closed around the cable. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for manual alignment operations during installation.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional P-clamp with thru-holes is used, then the clamp can be secured to a structure, but the operation becomes challenging when the structure is difficult to reach
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary locking mechanism automatically engages when the coupling end and coupling base are brought together. The distal lobe of the locking pin self-aligns with the base cavity and secures the connection without requiring manual intervention or tools, enabling one-handed operation in hard-to-reach areas.
3Reliability
If a locked engagement profile is used to hold the clamp frame in closed configuration, then the clamp can be securely held, but additional securing mechanism may be required for reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling surfaces and secondary locking mechanism are integrated into a single unified system. The complementary profiles of the coupling end and coupling base provide the locked engagement, while the locking pin with distal lobe provides additional security. These features work together as one cohesive mechanism rather than separate systems.
4Reliability
If a fastener extending through passage and into cavity is used, then the coupling end and base can be securely fastened, but the mechanism becomes complex to operate manually
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin features a curved or rounded distal lobe that complements the curved profile of the base cavity. This curved geometry allows the locking pin to rotate smoothly into the locked position and provides a large surface area for manual engagement, making the mechanism easy to operate with one hand.
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
A clamping device includes a clamp frame (802) that is configured to move between an open configuration, in which the clamp frame (802) is configured to receive at least one longitudinal element, and a closed configuration, in which the clamp frame (802) wraps around and holds the at least one longitudinal element. The clamp frame (802) includes a coupling end (818) having an inner surface and a coupling base (822) having an outer surface. The inner and outer surfaces have profiles that form a locked engagement to hold the clamp frame (802) in the closed configuration. The clamping device also includes a secondary locking mechanism (815) that secures the coupling end (818) and the coupling base (822) to each other. The secondary locking mechanism (815) is activated after the clamp frame (802) is held in the closed configuration by the locked engagement.