Dual-Axis Battery Clamp for Wide Terminal Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery clamps have limited capability to grip larger battery terminals due to their single axis of rotation, restricting their versatility and effectiveness in connecting to various terminal sizes.
Innovation Solution
A clamp design featuring dual pivotable connections with separated axes of rotation, allowing for a wider opening gap and enhanced grip capability, along with a biasing mechanism to facilitate easy operation and secure closure, and conductive members for electrical connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single pivotable connection is used in conventional battery clamps, then the structure is simple, but the opening gap is limited and cannot grip larger battery terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The single pivotable connection is segmented into two separate pivotable connections (first pivotable connection between first arm and joint member, second pivotable connection between second arm and joint member). This segmentation allows each arm to rotate independently about different axes, enabling the clamp to accommodate larger battery terminals while maintaining structural manageability through modular organization around the joint member
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-axis rotation system to a dual-axis rotation system. The first arm rotates about a first axis and the second arm rotates about a second axis that is displaced from the first axis in a direction perpendicular to the first axis. This dimensional change in the rotation mechanism enables a wider opening gap and improved adaptability to various terminal sizes
2Adaptability or versatility
If the opening gap is increased to grip larger terminals, then versatility improves, but the gripping force may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A biasing mechanism is introduced that applies a preliminary closing force to the first and second arms before the user engages the clamp with the battery terminal. This preliminary action ensures that the arms are pre-loaded with gripping force, so that even when opened wider to accommodate larger terminals, sufficient closing force is maintained for secure connection
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 the clamp to securely connect to larger battery terminals, offering improved versatility and ease of use by allowing a 50-60% wider opening compared to conventional clamps, while maintaining secure electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
The first pivotable connection is between the joint member and the first arm, and defines a first axis about which the first arm is configured to rotate relative to the joint member. The second pivotable connection is between the joint member and the second arm, and defines a second axis about which the second arm is configured to rotate relative to the joint member.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp for providing an electrical connection to a battery includes a first arm, a second arm, a joint member, a first pivotable connection, and a second pivotable connection. The first arm includes a proximal end, a distal end, and an electrically conductive member at the distal end. The second arm includes a proximal end and a distal end. The first pivotable connection is between the joint member and the first arm, and defines a first axis, about which the first arm rotates relative to the joint member. The second pivotable connection is between the joint member and the second arm, and defines a second axis, about which the second arm rotates relative to the joint member. The first and second axes are displaced from each other in a direction that is perpendicular to the first axis.