Hinged Clamp Assembly With Securement for Heavy-Load Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamps are not versatile, have limited load capacity, and are susceptible to inadvertent disengagement when loaded beyond their nominal capacity, making them unsuitable for supporting heavy objects.
Innovation Solution
A clamp assembly comprising an upper and lower clamp member with cantilevered portions and ribs for increased rigidity, a hinge subassembly with a torsional spring for maintaining engagement with the mounting surface, and a securement subassembly such as a cam lock mechanism or tensioning-style knob to prevent disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional clamps are used, then the device is simple in structure, but the load capacity is limited and cannot support heavy objects
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is divided into multiple components: upper clamp member, lower clamp member, hinge subassembly, and securement subassembly. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve high load capacity through coordinated action of segments rather than requiring a single complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge subassembly and securement subassembly are integrated within the clamp member structure. The hinge connects the upper and lower clamp members, while the securement mechanism (cam lock or tensioning knob) is incorporated into the lower clamp member, creating a nested arrangement that increases functionality without proportionally increasing external complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional clamps are used, then the clamp is easy to manufacture, but it is susceptible to inadvertent disengagement when loaded beyond nominal capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The securement subassembly (cam lock mechanism or tensioning-style knob) applies a preliminary locking action that prevents inadvertent disengagement before it can occur. The cam lock creates a mechanical interlock that resists disengagement forces, while the tensioning knob creates frictional engagement that maintains clamp members in place under load.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge subassembly includes a torsional spring that automatically maintains engagement between clamp members and the mounting surface. The spring provides continuous biasing force that keeps the clamp members pressed against the mounting surface, ensuring reliable engagement without requiring additional active components or complex control systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional clamps are used, then the structure is simple, but the clamp is not versatile and cannot be used for different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is designed with universal features: the upper and lower clamp members can engage with various mounting surface geometries, the hinge subassembly allows adaptation to different angles and positions, and the securement subassembly works with different post member diameters. This multi-functionality enables the same basic clamp design to serve multiple applications while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized components.
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 clamp assembly is versatile, capable of supporting heavy objects with a substantial load capacity and prevents inadvertent disengagement, even when significantly loaded, ensuring secure attachment to a mounting surface.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge subassembly with a torsional spring for maintaining engagement with the mounting surface
Implementation Method 2
a securement subassembly such as a cam lock mechanism or tensioning-style knob to prevent disengagement
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp assembly for attaching an object to a mounting surface is disclosed herein. The clamp assembly includes an upper clamp member, the upper clamp member including a first aperture formed therethrough for receiving a post member; and a lower clamp member pivotally coupled to the upper clamp member, the lower clamp member including a second aperture formed therethrough for receiving the post member. When the post member is disposed through the first aperture of the upper clamp member and the second aperture of the lower clamp member, the upper and lower clamp members are maintained in a generally stationary position relative to one another, and in an engaging relationship with the mounting surface. The clamp assembly may further include a clamp securement subassembly for additionally securing the upper and lower clamp members in place relative to one another by frictionally engaging an outer surface of the post member.