Detachable Tightening Member With Self-Aligning Clamping Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tightening members for clamping devices are often integral to the device, occupying valuable space and being prone to damage due to their exposure. Additionally, they can be cumbersome to use, especially in limited spaces, and may require manual alignment without clear visibility.
Innovation Solution
A detachable tightening member with a compact design, featuring a coupling portion for secure attachment to a clamping device and an operating portion for user rotation. The member includes a resilient engaging member for automatic locking, a torque limiting mechanism, and a ratchet mechanism for efficient tightening and untightening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the tightening member is made detachable, then space availability and damage resistance are improved, but coupling alignment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling section with a coupling portion that acts as an intermediary between the tightening member and the clamping device. This coupling portion features a recess with guiding surfaces that facilitate automatic alignment during coupling, thereby resolving the alignment difficulty while maintaining the benefits of detachability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual alignment operations with automatic alignment mechanisms. The guiding surfaces in the recess automatically orient the tightening member during coupling, substituting the need for careful manual positioning with a self-aligning mechanical feature
2Volume of moving object
If the tightening member is made compact, then space availability is improved, but torque transfer capability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the resilient engaging member is received within the recess of the coupling section. This nesting allows the tightening member to achieve a compact form factor while maintaining adequate torque transfer capability through the engaged interfaces
3Ease of operation
If the tightening member is made detachable with automatic locking, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-locking mechanism where the resilient engaging member automatically engages with the coupling section upon insertion. The resilient nature of the engaging member provides automatic locking without requiring additional actuators or complex mechanisms, achieving self-service functionality
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
The detachable and compact design of the tightening member saves space, reduces the risk of damage, and enhances user convenience by allowing for easier alignment and operation, especially in confined spaces.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient engaging member is configured to automatically establish locking with the coupling section
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a tightening member (70) for tightening a clamping device for fixing an accessory to a crossbar of a load carrier. The tightening member comprises a coupling portion (71) for detachably coupling the tightening member to a coupling section of the clamping device. The coupling portion is configured engageable with the coupling section in a torque transferable manner. The tightening member comprises an operating portion (72) configured to be grasped and rotated by a user, the operating portion being operatively coupled to the coupling portion. The coupling portion comprises an accommodating portion (73) for at least partially receiving a force receiving portion of the coupling section therein.