Eccentric Lever Clamp Fastener With Ratchet Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fastening devices for hospital furniture, such as operating tables, often fail to provide sufficient holding force, requiring excessive manual force and relying on high friction, which can be unreliable and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A clamp fastener design featuring a shaft with two gear ring elements locked by a shoulder, an eccentric lever actuator, and spring elements that allows for minimal compressive force and easy adjustment, enabling secure attachment and detachment of accessories with reduced manual effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional fastening devices are used, then accessories can be attached to hospital furniture, but sufficient holding force cannot be obtained and excessive manual force is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional friction-based mechanical fastening system with a ratchet-and-pawl mechanism. The pawl engages with the ratchet teeth to provide mechanical locking, substituting the need for continuous friction-based pressure with a discrete mechanical interlock that provides holding force without requiring excessive manual compression force.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism operates through periodic engagement of the pawl with ratchet teeth at discrete intervals along the arc. This periodic mechanical engagement provides cumulative holding force at multiple positions, replacing the continuous friction force required by conventional devices and reducing the peak manual force needed.
2Reliability
If high friction is relied upon for tight fastening grip, then accessories can be secured, but the fastening becomes unreliable and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the unreliable friction-based gripping mechanism with a positive mechanical engagement system using ratchet teeth and pawl. This mechanical interlock provides reliable fastening through geometric constraint rather than friction, improving reliability while simplifying the fastening action to a straightforward ratcheting motion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If circular cross-section fastening elements are used, then accessories can be attached, but high degree of friction is required between fastening surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes an arc-shaped ratchet element that provides curved, adaptive engagement surfaces. This curved geometry allows the ratchet teeth to engage at various angles and positions, maintaining adaptability for different accessory attachments while eliminating the need for high friction through positive mechanical interlocking along the arc path.
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 clamp fastener achieves reliable and ergonomic fastening with minimal manual force, reduced wear, and easy maintenance, suitable for various hospital furniture applications, ensuring secure attachment and easy adjustment of accessories.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring element (44), arranged in connection with the plier elements (41, 42), so that the spring force of which pushes the plier elements (41, 42) apart
Implementation Method 2
a second spring element (7), the spring force of which pushes the gear rings (6; 61, 62) apart
Implementation Method 3
a clamp actuator (8), arranged at the first end (31) of the shaft (3), for affecting the shaft (3), so that the plier elements (41, 42) of the clamp (4) can be pressed together
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a clamp fastener (1) for fastening an accessory detachably and adjustably by position to a suitable fastening support (2). Said clamp fastener (1) includes: a shaft (3) that is supported to the fastening support (2); a clamp (4) including two adjacent plier elements, a first and a second plier element (41, 42), a gap (43) between the plier elements and a first spring element (44); in which gap (43) there is arranged a channel (5) for the support bar (T) of an accessory in order to fasten said accessory to the clamp and to the clamp fastener; first and second gear ring elements (6; 61, 62) arranged in a mutually matching position; a second spring element (7; 71) between the gear rings (6; 61, 62); and a clamp actuator (8); said clamp (4), gear ring elements (6; 61, 62) and the second spring element (7; 71) being fitted in the intermediate space (23) of the fastening support and interconnected by a shaft (3) passing at right angles through their center area, and at the first end (31) of said shaft (3), outside the fastening support (2), there is attached a clamp actuator (8) for pressing the plier elements (41, 42) of the clamp (4) together, and respectively for opening them in order to fasten the support bar (T) in a channel (5) and respectively for releasing it from the channel (5). According to the invention, the shaft (3) is in the region of the clamp (4) provided with two shoulders (33, 34) spaced apart at a distance (a), the first (31) of said shoulders being arranged outside the clamp (4), towards the first plier element (41), and the second (34) of said shoulders being arranged inside the clamp, towards the second plier element (42), so that in between said second plier element (42) and the fastening support (2), there are located the gear ring elements (6; 61, 62) fitted in a mutually facing position, and the second spring element (7; 71).