Clamping Assembly External Spring Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping assemblies for elongate articles like wires and wire ropes require manual manipulation of the wire to release the clamping mechanism, which is inefficient and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A clamping assembly with a pair of springs that extend externally and can be deformed to move a clamping member from a clamping to a release condition, allowing for easy release by applying a release force transverse to the direction of the clamping member, eliminating the need for manual wire manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual manipulation of the wire is used to release the clamping mechanism, then the clamping assembly can be released, but the operation becomes inefficient and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism allows the user to directly compress the springs externally to release the clamping member, making the system serve itself without requiring complex manual manipulation of the wire. The user interacts with the springs rather than the wire itself, simplifying the release operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The springs are positioned externally of the body and are accessible from outside, allowing direct compression to release the clamping member. This extraction of the spring mechanism from the internal structure enables easy external manipulation for release without requiring wire manipulation.
2Device complexity
If traditional clamping assemblies are used, then the clamping function is achieved, but the design requires end caps or teeth and more parts
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping member integrates gripping surfaces directly into its structure, combining the clamping function with the member itself rather than requiring separate end caps or teeth. This merging reduces the total number of parts while maintaining effective clamping capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping member serves multiple functions: it provides the clamping action through its gripping surfaces, acts as a structural component within the body, and works with the spring mechanism for both clamping and release operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized parts.
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
Enables easy and efficient release of the clamping mechanism by deforming the springs, reducing the number of parts and simplifying the design, while allowing for secure clamping and adjustment without the need for end caps or teeth, thus improving usability and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
urging means comprising a pair of springs (20) which extend externally of the body (12) and can be deformed by pressing the pair of springs towards each other to a release configuration
Data Source
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AI summary
A clamping assembly (10) comprises a body (12) defining a passage (34) through which an elongate article (100) can extend. A clamping member (16) is arranged in the passage for clamping the elongate article, the clamping member being movable between clamping and release conditions for respectively clamping and releasing the article (100). Urging means (14) comprises a spring (20) to urge the clamping member (16) to the clamping condition. The spring can be deformed to a release configuration to urge the clamping member (16) to the release condition.