Escalatable Battery Hold Down Clamp with Cam Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery hold down mechanisms require tools for installation and removal, are prone to rust and corrosion, and pose hazards during maintenance due to the need for manual torque application, which can lead to accidents and increased time and expense.

Innovation Solution

A battery hold down device featuring an escalatable clamp and escalator mechanism that allows for secure clamping and unclamping without tools, using a pass-through bolt and grippable handle for manual operation, eliminating the need for tools during battery replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If standard battery hold down mechanisms using nuts and locknuts are used, then secure clamping is achieved, but tool requirement and maintenance complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping forceVSAvoidtool-free operation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional nut-and-bolt mechanical fastening system with a cam mechanism that converts rotational motion into linear clamping force. The cam profile is designed to provide progressive clamping action, eliminating the need for tools while maintaining secure attachment. The cam lever arm pivots about a fixed point and engages with the battery hold down component through a cam surface that translates rotational input into directional clamping force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The cam mechanism introduces dynamic motion to the previously static fastening system. The lever arm rotates through an arc to engage and disengage the cam surface, providing controlled clamping and release cycles. This dynamic action allows tool-free operation while maintaining consistent clamping force through the mechanical advantage of the cam profile geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If traditional hold down rods and clamps are used, then battery securing is achieved, but rust and corrosion resistance deteriorates over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery securingVSAvoidrust and corrosion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite construction where the cam mechanism body is formed from a polymer matrix reinforced with fibrous materials, creating a composite structure that combines the corrosion resistance of polymers with the structural integrity of fiber reinforcement. This composite material approach maintains reliable battery securing while eliminating the rust and corrosion problems associated with traditional metal fastening components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If multiple tools and components are used for battery hold down, then secure attachment is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of the hold down rod, clamp, and fastening mechanism into an integrated assembly. The cam mechanism is built into the clamp structure itself, with the lever arm pivoting directly on the hold down rod assembly. This integration eliminates separate nuts, bolts, and washers, reducing component count while maintaining secure attachment through the unified cam-operated clamping action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cam mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the clamping force, acts as the fastening mechanism, and includes the pivot point for the lever arm within a single integrated structure. The cam profile itself provides both the mechanical advantage for clamping and the engagement surface for the lever arm, consolidating multiple functional elements into one universal component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables safe and efficient battery installation and removal without tools, reducing the risk of accidents and maintenance time, while preventing rust and corrosion through a design that remains in place after initial installation.

Implementation Method 1

an escalator means for lifting or lowering the clamp in screwed engagement with the escalatable hold down clamp

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS9153808B2Battery hold down device using clamp escalator

Publication Date: 2015.10.06 BOLDEN DARNELL M

AI summary

The present invention provides a device and a method for securely clamping and unclamping a battery in a battery receiving tray, the device comprising an escalatable hold down clamp for clamping the battery, an escalator means for lifting or lowering the clamp in screwed engagement with the escalatable hold down clamp, a hold down rod for fixedly engaging the hold down device onto the battery tray.