Clamping Device With Segmented Frame And Secondary Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamping devices, such as P-clamps, are difficult to use, especially in confined spaces like aircraft wings, as they require wrapping around cables, aligning holes, and securing to a structure, which can be challenging with limited access and dexterity.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a clamp frame that moves between open and closed configurations, featuring a coupling end and coupling base with a secondary locking mechanism, including a locking pin and grip elements, allowing for secure wrapping and positioning of longitudinal elements without separate tools, and enabling a pinch-less hinge mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional P-clamp is used to secure cables, then the cables can be held at a designated position, but the clamping device is difficult to install in confined spaces requiring wrapping, hole alignment, and tool usage
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp frame is divided into two separable clamp sections that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation allows the sections to be opened wide for easy insertion of cables and then closed together to secure the cables, eliminating the need for complex wrapping and alignment operations required by conventional P-clamps
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp sections are designed with movable coupling mechanisms that allow dynamic opening and closing. The coupling end and coupling base can be easily connected and disconnected, enabling the clamp to transition between open and closed states without requiring tools or complex alignment procedures
2Reliability
If a conventional P-clamp is secured to a structure, then the cables are held firmly, but the installation is time-consuming due to the multiple steps of wrapping, aligning, and securing
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp frame is pre-configured with coupling ends and bases that are designed to automatically align and engage when brought together. The grip elements are pre-positioned to immediately grasp the cables upon closing, eliminating the need for time-consuming wrapping and alignment operations during installation
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism integrates the functions of alignment, connection, and locking into a single operation. When the clamp sections are brought together, the coupling end and coupling base automatically align and secure the cables simultaneously, reducing the multi-step process to a single closing action
Data Source
AI summary
Clamping device includes a clamp frame that is configured to move between an open configuration, in which the clamp frame is configured to receive at least one longitudinal element, and a closed configuration, in which the clamp frame wraps around and holds the at least one longitudinal element. The clamp frame includes a coupling end having an inner surface and a coupling base having an outer surface. The inner and outer surfaces have profiles that form a locked engagement to hold the clamp frame in the closed configuration. The clamping device also includes a secondary locking mechanism that secures the coupling end and the coupling base to each other. The secondary locking mechanism is activated after the clamp frame is held in the closed configuration by the locked engagement.