Flange Clamp Automatic Fail-Safe Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flange clamps lack an automatic fail-safe mechanism that ensures the lock lever is securely locked once fully clamped and requires a positive operator action to unlock, posing a risk of accidental release.
Innovation Solution
A flange clamp design incorporating a quick release pull pin that automatically locks the lock lever when fully clamped and requires operator intervention to retract and release, featuring a semi-circular shape, V-shaped cross section, pivot flange, hook member, and U-shaped lock lever, with a threaded shaft and nut thread mechanism for secure locking and unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional flange clamp without automatic fail-safe is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability is worsened due to risk of accidental release
Solution Approach 1:
The quick release pull pin is pre-positioned to automatically engage with the lock lever when the clamp is closed, creating a fail-safe mechanism that locks the clamp in the closed position before any accidental release can occur. This preliminary locking action ensures reliability without requiring complex additional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp mechanism is designed to automatically lock itself through the interaction between the quick release pull pin and the lock lever. When the clamp closes, the pull pin automatically engages with the lock lever's slot, creating a self-locking mechanism that prevents accidental release without external intervention or complex control systems.
2Reliability
If a quick release pull pin mechanism is added, then the reliability is improved through automatic locking, but the ease of operation is worsened due to required positive action for unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The quick release pull pin is designed as a separate, removable component that can be easily extracted from the clamp assembly. This extraction mechanism provides a clear, deliberate action for unlocking - simply pulling the pin out - which maintains ease of operation while ensuring that accidental releases cannot occur through normal wear or vibration.
3Reliability
If the lock lever is made fully automatic, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional locking components
Solution Approach 1:
The quick release pull pin combines multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both the locking element and the release mechanism. The pull pin integrates the locking action and the unlocking action into one simple component, achieving automatic reliability without adding multiple separate locking mechanisms or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock lever is designed with a universal slot that accommodates the quick release pull pin in multiple positions - engaged for locking, disengaged for unlocking. This multi-functional design allows the same component structure to serve both locking and unlocking purposes, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining automatic fail-safe functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A flange clamp with an automatic fail safe preferably includes a first clamp half, a second clamp half, a lock lever, a hook member and a quick release pull pin. One end of the first clamp half is pivotally attached to one end of the second clamp half. A hook opening is formed on an opposing end of the first clamp half. The lock lever is pivotally retained on an opposing end of the second clamp half. The hook member includes a hook rod and a pivot block. The hook rod is threadably retained in the pivot block. The pivot block is pivotally retained by the lock lever. A mounting plate is attached to an outer surface of the second clamp half. The quick release pull pin is slidably retained in the mounting plate.