Flexible U-Bolt Assembly for Adjustable Clamping of Irregular Workpieces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional U-bolts with rigid structures are limited in their versatility and application range, failing to effectively grip and hold various workpieces or objects securely, especially in temporary or semi-permanent connections, and lack adjustability for different uses.

Innovation Solution

A flexible U-bolt assembly comprising a clamping bracket with a receiver and a U-bolt featuring a flexible elongated body, adjustable length, and various configurations such as apertures and slots, allowing for secure connections and adjustability through the use of fasteners and connectors, enabling a wide range of applications from temporary retention to permanent securing of workpieces and hanging of components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid U-shaped bolt structure is used, then the structural strength is maintained, but the adaptability to different workpiece shapes and sizes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidadaptability to workpiece shapes

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The U-bolt assembly incorporates a flexible elongated body that can dynamically adjust its shape to conform to different workpiece geometries, while maintaining sufficient clamping force through the resilient nature of the flexible material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible elongated body changes its physical parameters (shape, curvature) to adapt to different workpiece configurations, allowing the same U-bolt assembly to accommodate various sizes and shapes without sacrificing structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If a fixed-length U-bolt is used, then the manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the versatility for different applications is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidversatility for different applications

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible elongated body is divided into multiple sections that can be independently adjusted or reconfigured, allowing the U-bolt to be customized for different applications while maintaining a relatively simple overall manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The U-bolt assembly is designed as a universal fastening solution that can be applied to multiple different workpieces and configurations through the adjustable flexible body, reducing the need for multiple specialized U-bolt variants

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If a rigid U-bolt structure is used, then the manufacturing precision is maintained, but the grip effectiveness on irregular shapes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedimensional precisionVSAvoidgrip effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible elongated body acts as a compliant element that can wrap around and conform to irregular workpiece surfaces, maintaining secure grip while the rigid clamping brackets provide precise dimensional control and manufacturing accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS12169036B2Flexible U-bolt assembly

Publication Date: 2024.12.17 CTKING LLC

AI summary

A flexible U-bolt assembly includes a clamping bracket including a receiver and a U-bolt including (a) a first end fixed to the clamping bracket, (b) a second end adapted for receipt in the receiver and (c) a flexible elongated body extending between the first end and the second end.