Dual-Sided Clamp With Level Channel And Triangular Cutout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for attaching new valves to systems often result in misalignment due to the hand wheel not being straight or having round parts, leading to multiple reinstallation of valves or non-square plain levels.

Innovation Solution

A dual-sided clamp with a linear channel for receiving a level on one side and a triangular cutout for different sized shafts on the other, featuring coupling orifices for secure positioning of both the level and shafts, allowing for easy alignment and attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a free standing level is positioned on a hand wheel of the valve after the valve is attached, then the orientation of the valve can be indicated, but the hand wheel may not be straight or may have round parts that prevent it from being completely level, leading to multiple reinstallation or non-square plain level

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelevel alignment accuracyVSAvoidvalve installation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp is equipped with a built-in level channel and coupling orifice before valve installation. The level is positioned and secured in the channel prior to valve attachment, establishing a reference plane in advance. This preliminary setup eliminates the need to rely on the hand wheel for leveling, ensuring accurate alignment from the start and preventing multiple reinstallation cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp serves as an intermediary device between the valve and the leveling process. By providing a dedicated channel and coupling mechanism, the clamp mediates the alignment process, separating the leveling function from the hand wheel. This intermediary structure ensures that the level can be accurately positioned and secured independently of the valve's hand wheel geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a clamp is designed with a linear channel for receiving a level, then accurate alignment can be achieved, but the clamp structure becomes more complex with additional features

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidclamp structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the level channel is embedded within the clamp body, and the coupling orifice is incorporated into the same component. This merging of the level receptacle and coupling mechanism into one unified clamp structure provides accurate alignment capabilities without requiring separate devices or complex assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the valve, incorporates a level channel for alignment, and includes a coupling orifice for securing the level. This multi-functionality allows the clamp to achieve precise alignment capabilities while maintaining a relatively simple, integrated structure rather than requiring multiple separate components.

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

Data Source

PatentUS11548119B2Systems and methods for a dual sided clamp
Publication Date: 2023.01.10 MOLINA GERARDO
  • US11548119B2 patent drawing
  • US11548119B2 patent drawing
  • US11548119B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for a dual sided clamp. More specifically, a clamp with a channel configured to receive a level on a first side of the clamp, and a triangular shaped cutout configured to receive a shaft associated with different sized valves on a second side of the clamp.