Hands-Free Dual Clamp With Adjustable Shafts

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fixing devices for mobile devices are limited by requiring hand-held operation, inability to securely clamp objects of various profiles, and insufficient clamping force for round or irregular shapes, as they often rely on non-replaceable ends and springs for clamping.

Innovation Solution

A hands-free dual clamp device with angle-adjustable clamping units and a connecting module, featuring a shaft module with spirally threaded outer and inner shafts, and claw-type clamping bodies that can rotate and adjust to securely hold objects of different shapes without manual handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional fixing apparatus are designed to be hand-held, then users can easily operate and position the device, but the distance for taking pictures is limited and users cannot have hands-free operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddistance for taking pictures
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing apparatus is divided into two separate clamping units, each capable of independently clamping different objects. This segmentation allows the device to be positioned between two objects (e.g., a book and a wall) without requiring hand-held operation, thereby enabling hands-free use and extending the distance for taking pictures while maintaining ease of initial positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping units are designed with adjustable clamping forces and angle-adjustable structures, allowing dynamic adaptation to different object profiles and positioning requirements. This dynamic capability enables the device to securely clamp various objects while maintaining hands-free operation at extended distances

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional fixing apparatus have fixed functional ends, then the structure is simple, but the range of objects to be held or fixed is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of objects to be heldVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Both ends of the fixing apparatus are equipped with clamping units that can universally clamp various objects including books, tablets, and other rectangular objects. This multi-functionality allows either end to serve as the clamping end or the support end depending on the application, significantly expanding the range of objects that can be held while maintaining relatively simple device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping units feature angle-adjustable structures that can adapt to different object profiles and orientations. This dynamic adjustability enables the same clamping unit to securely hold various shapes and sizes of objects without requiring multiple specialized components, thereby increasing versatility while controlling device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If spring-based clamping mechanisms are used, then the device can automatically clamp objects, but sufficient clamping force cannot be applied to round or irregular shapes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic clampingVSAvoidclamping force
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping units are designed with adjustable clamping force mechanisms that allow users to manually apply and adjust the clamping force according to the specific object being held. This dynamic force adjustment capability enables sufficient clamping force to be applied to round or irregular shapes while maintaining ease of operation through the adjustable mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping force parameter can be manually adjusted by users to match the requirements of different objects. This parameter change capability allows the device to provide both automatic clamping for simple objects and manually adjustable high force for round or irregular shapes, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and clamping force

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 secure, hands-free operation for mobile devices, allowing users to adjust the clamping space and apply sufficient force to various shapes, overcoming the limitations of conventional devices by providing a versatile and secure clamping solution.

Implementation Method 1

The shaft module is spirally inserted through the upper and lower clamping bodies and is rotatable, so as to enable the upper and lower clamping bodies to be adjustable at angles with respect to each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3306171B1Hands-free dual clamp device
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 CHANG
  • EP3306171B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3306171B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3306171B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A hands-free dual clamp device includes two clamping units, each having an upper clamping body, a lower clamping body, a mating portion, and a shaft module. The shaft module is spirally inserted through the upper and lower clamping bodies and is rotatable, so as to enable the upper and lower clamping bodies to be adjustable at angles with respect to each other and cooperatively form a clamping space for clamping an external object. A connecting module includes at least a connecting unit having two opposite end portions, which are respectively provided with a first connecting element and a second connecting element. The first connecting element connected to the mating portion of one of the clamping units, and the second connecting element connected to the mating portions of the other of the clamping units, so that the two clamping units are linked together with the connecting module.