Elastic Nut Clamp for Edge Panel Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nut clamp devices face difficulties in easy installation on the edge of a support, requiring a complex gesture to space the insert plate and branch for proper alignment.
Innovation Solution
The nut clamp device incorporates elastically deformable elements, including a tab and blades, which apply torque to maintain the insert plate's front end against the upper branch, keeping the rear end close to the lower branch, allowing for a single gesture installation by maintaining the clamp in an open position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the insert plate is rigid and fixed in position, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of installation deteriorates because the front end cannot be spaced from the branch for proper alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The insert plate is made elastically deformable, transforming it from a static rigid component to a dynamic one that can temporarily deform during installation. The front end can be spaced from the upper branch by applying force, allowing alignment, then automatically returns to its clamping position when the force is released, resolving the contradiction between rigidity for strength and flexibility for ease of installation
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the insert plate is changed from completely rigid to elastically deformable. This parameter change allows the plate to temporarily alter its shape during installation (spacing the front end from the branch) while maintaining sufficient structural strength, and then automatically return to its original clamping configuration
2Reliability
If the clamp is designed to hold the insert plate firmly against the support, then the reliability of the clamping action is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the clamp cannot be easily opened for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism uses elastic deformation to create a dynamic system. During installation, force is applied to open the clamp (front end spaced from upper branch), allowing easy installation. Once installed, the elastic elements automatically return the insert plate to its clamping position, ensuring reliable clamping action without requiring complex locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic deformable elements provide self-service by automatically returning the insert plate to its clamping position after installation. The system uses its own elastic properties to maintain the clamped state without requiring additional actuators or manual adjustment, achieving both easy installation and reliable clamping
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 easy and secure engagement of the clamp on the panel edge with the ability to return to its original position for repeated use, enhancing installation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the holding means comprise elastically deformable elements, one end of which is secured to the upper branch of the gripper part and the other free end of which rests on the rear part of the wafer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The device (1) has a part (2) formed by a U-shaped clamp, where branches (5, 6) of the clamp are crossed by axially aligned screw passage cavities (8, 9). An insert part (3) in a form of plate (11) is equipped with a threaded barrel (12) projected from a face (14) of the plate and inserted between the branches of the clamp. An edge of a panel is engaged between the face of the plate that is opposite to the barrel and one of the branches of the clamp. Maintenance units formed by blades (22) and leg (30) maintain a front end (17) of the plate against a free front end (18) of the branch.