Eccentric Clamping in Plate Holders for Rapid Vertical Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for fastening and vertically aligning plate-shaped elements, such as glass plates, are laborious and require simultaneous clamping and alignment efforts, increasing assembly time and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A clamping device with eccentric elements that allow for quick and easy assembly, utilizing eccentric bolts for clamping and tilting functions decoupled from each other, enabling alignment and fastening with less than one revolution of the eccentric elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional clamping parts with wedge shape are used to fasten and vertically align the plate, then the plate can be securely fastened and aligned, but the assembly process becomes laborious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fasteningVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping device is divided into separate functional components: a clamping element for fastening the plate and an eccentric element for vertical alignment. This segmentation allows the alignment function to be performed independently before clamping, eliminating the need for simultaneous coordination of multiple operations and significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining secure fastening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If conventional clamping parts are used to fasten the plate, then the plate can be securely fastened, but the assembly process becomes complex and requires coordinated clamping and alignment efforts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fasteningVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device separates the clamping function (clamping element) from the alignment function (eccentric element), allowing each to be operated independently. This reduces assembly complexity by eliminating the need for coordinated simultaneous operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The eccentric element automatically provides vertical alignment through its geometric properties when rotated, requiring no additional alignment operations or complex adjustment mechanisms. The self-aligning capability simplifies the overall assembly process while ensuring reliable fastening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If conventional clamping methods are used, then the plate can be fastened, but the risk of damage during assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening securityVSAvoiddamage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The eccentric element performs vertical alignment before the clamping element secures the plate. This preliminary alignment ensures the plate is correctly positioned and reduces stress concentrations during clamping, thereby lowering the risk of damage while maintaining fastening security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The eccentric element allows for gradual adjustment of the plate's vertical position through rotation, enabling smooth parameter changes without sudden force applications. This controlled adjustment process minimizes the risk of damage during assembly.

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

Facilitates rapid and secure fastening and vertical alignment of plate-shaped elements by simplifying assembly processes and reducing the risk of damage through convex supports and adjustable eccentric elements.

Implementation Method 1

a) An eccentric element (20, 30) which, when rotated about a respective rotation axis (27, 37), has an eccentric effect such that the pressure piece (50) moves in the direction of the plate-shaped element (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP4613951A1System, clamping device and method for fixing a plate in a plate holder
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 WOLFSGRUBER GMBH
  • EP4613951A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4613951A1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP4613951A1 patent drawingFigure 7~10

AI summary

System (1) for fastening a plate-shaped element (2) in a plate holder (3), wherein the system (1) has a plate holder (3) with two side walls (6, 7), between which the plate-shaped element (2) can be inserted, and a support (41) for the plate-shaped element (2) on one of the side walls (6, 7), wherein a clamping device (10) is arranged on the other of the side walls (6, 7), wherein the clamping device (10) has at least one eccentric element which is adjustable by rotation such that the plate-shaped element (2) is clamped between the support (41) and the clamping element (10) and/or is tilted with respect to the support (41) or a rotation axis of the eccentric element.