Adjustable Friction Sleeve Clamp for Elongated Structures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing accessories to jimmy bars and other elongated structures are inefficient, as they often require stationary washers that are difficult to move, limiting the ability to easily align and bolt steel building members.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable clamp system featuring friction sleeves with deformable regions and compression nuts that securely engage elongated structures, allowing for adjustable clamping of objects along the structure's length, enabling easy alignment and repositioning of accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stationary washer is used to secure accessories to a jimmy bar, then the accessory is held in place, but the washer cannot be easily moved or repositioned
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp system transitions from a stationary washer to a dynamic clamping mechanism with movable clamping members that can be adjusted along the elongated structure. The clamping members can be repositioned by loosening and tightening the compression member, enabling both secure attachment and easy repositioning of accessories.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp system divides the securing function into separate components: friction members that contact the elongated structure, clamping members that contact the accessory, and a compression member that transmits force. This segmentation allows the clamping members to be independently repositioned while maintaining secure attachment through the friction and compression mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If a clamp system with multiple components is used to allow repositioning, then repositionability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp system merges multiple functions into integrated components. The friction members and clamping members are combined in a single assembly that moves together, and the compression member simultaneously controls both friction engagement with the elongated structure and clamping force on the accessory, reducing the number of separate adjustment mechanisms needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression member serves multiple functions: it transmits compressive force to deform the friction members for engaging the elongated structure, simultaneously applies clamping force to secure the accessory, and enables repositioning when loosened. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for each function.
3Reliability
If a deformable friction sleeve is used to engage the elongated structure, then frictional engagement is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The friction member has different local properties: a deformable region with reduced cross-sectional area that concentrates compression force to create friction engagement, and non-deformable regions that maintain structural integrity. This local quality differentiation allows controlled deformation at specific locations while maintaining overall manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction member's cross-sectional area parameter is varied along its length, with the deformable region having a smaller cross-section that allows elastic deformation under compression. This parameter change enables the friction member to transition from a rigid component to a deformable gripping element without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
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 adjustable clamp system provides a secure, adjustable, and versatile means to attach accessories to elongated structures, facilitating efficient alignment and use of steel building members, while allowing for easy reconfiguration and movement of the clamped objects.
Implementation Method 1
a first deformable region designed and configured to deform so as to allow the first friction sleeve to firmly frictionally engage the elongated structure
Implementation Method 2
a first compression nut designed and configured to engage the first friction sleeve so as to deform the first deformable region
Data Source
AI summary
Adjustable clamp systems that include friction sleeves and corresponding compression nuts for securing the friction sleeves to an elongated support structure. Each friction sleeve is designed and configured to slidably engage around the exterior of the elongated support structure and includes at least one deformable region that allows the corresponding compression nut to radially compress a portion of the friction sleeve into firm engagement with the support structure so that the friction sleeve firmly grips the support structure. The adjustable clamp systems can be used to secure one or more objects to the elongated support structure.