Wide Range Edge Mounting Clamp With Ratcheting Jaw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting devices for hoses, wires, cables, or tube bundles on cantilevered support structures like plates or ribs are limited by the need for clean surfaces, potential adhesive failure over time, requirement for pre-formed holes, and insufficient clamping strength, especially under vibration or heavy loads.
Innovation Solution
A mounting clamp assembly with a clamp body and ratcheting member featuring serrated teeth and a T-shaped slot, allowing for easy installation at any location without holes, providing a strong clamping force through a one-way interlocking mechanism and optional adhesive for enhanced retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If two-sided tape mounting device is used, then installation is simple and no holes are needed, but adhesive strength is lost over time and the mount may detach
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is divided into a base portion that adheres to the support structure and a clamp portion that secures the elongate element. This segmentation allows the base to provide stable adhesion while the clamp provides mechanical retention, combining the simplicity of adhesive mounting with the reliability of mechanical fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting device combines adhesive material with a ratcheting clamp mechanism in a single integrated structure. This composite approach leverages both adhesive bonding and mechanical interlocking to achieve both easy installation and long-term reliability, preventing detachment over time.
2Strength
If fir tree or arrowhead mounting device is used, then strong clamping force is achieved, but openings must be formed in the supporting surface adding fabrication cost
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp body is designed to straddle the support structure without requiring any openings or holes to be formed in it. The support structure passes through the clamp body, eliminating the need for fabrication modifications while still achieving strong clamping force through the ratcheting mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of forming openings in the support structure to receive the mounting device, the mounting device is designed to accommodate the support structure within its body. This inversion of the traditional approach eliminates fabrication complexity while maintaining strong mechanical attachment.
3Ease of operation
If basic plastic mounting clip is used, then installation is easy and no holes are needed, but clamping strength is insufficient under vibration or heavy load
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp portion incorporates a ratcheting mechanism with movable and stationary jaws that can dynamically adjust and lock into position. This dynamic mechanism provides progressive clamping force and maintains secure attachment under vibration and heavy loads, overcoming the limitations of simple elastic plastic clips.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp body features a curved outer surface that conforms to the support structure, distributing clamping force evenly and increasing contact area. This curved design enhances mechanical attachment strength while maintaining the simplicity of a hole-free installation.
4Strength
If metal mounting clip is used to augment strength, then clamping force is increased, but construction complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is designed to accommodate a wide range of support structure thicknesses and geometries through adjustable clamping parameters. The ratcheting mechanism can adapt to different dimensions without requiring multiple specialized components, maintaining simplicity while providing strong clamping force across various applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp body is designed with a universal fit that can accommodate various support structure types and sizes. The ratcheting mechanism provides multi-functional capability, securing elongate elements firmly while allowing for easy installation and removal, reducing the need for multiple specialized mounting devices.
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 assembly securely supports elongate elements without failure due to load, location, or vibration, with the ability to be installed at any desired location and maintain retention over time, offering improved durability and ease of installation.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of ratcheting member teeth have a saw tooth profile, thereby providing a clamping force that slideably moves the stationary jaw and the moveable jaw toward one another that is less than an unclamping force that moves the stationary jaw and the moveable jaw away from one another
Implementation Method 2
In the case of the two-sided tape mounting device, the surface for the mounting device to be adhered to must be clean and free from oil and dirt prior to applying the tape
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting clamp assembly configured to support one or more elongate elements from a cantilevered support. The mounting clamp assembly includes a clamp body having a stationary jaw defining a first clamping surface. The clamp body defines a plurality of clamp body teeth and a ratcheting member slideably attached to the clamp body. The ratcheting member has a moveable jaw that defines a second clamping surface opposite the first clamping surface. The ratcheting member further defines a plurality of ratcheting member teeth that are configured to engage the clamp body teeth. The plurality of ratcheting member teeth have a saw tooth profile, thereby providing a clamping force that slideably moves the stationary jaw and the moveable jaw toward one another that is less than an unclamping force that moves the stationary jaw and the moveable jaw away from one another.