Hinged Chromatography Column Clamp for Damage-Free Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chromatography column clamps damage the anodized layer of oven supports due to friction and moisture, leading to corrosion, and are difficult to remove once assembled.
Innovation Solution
A clamp design featuring two gripping surfaces with recesses connected by a hinge, allowing the clamp to be easily slid onto or off of a support by adjusting the hinge's position, thereby avoiding damage to the support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a spring plate with sharp edges is used to generate holding force, then the holding force is sufficient, but the anodized layer of the support is damaged and corrosion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible element made of elastomeric material that conforms to the support surface without sharp edges. This flexible membrane distributes the holding force evenly across the contact area, eliminating localized stress concentration that would damage the anodized layer while maintaining sufficient frictional holding force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid metal with sharp edges to soft elastomeric material. This parameter change transforms the interaction mechanism from concentrated edge contact to distributed surface contact, reducing pressure intensity and preventing anodized layer damage while maintaining adequate holding force through increased contact area.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the clamp is designed with a fixed structure for secure holding, then the holding stability is good, but the clamp cannot be displaced after assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable hinge joint that allows the clamp to transition between a closed holding position and an open release position. This dynamic mechanism enables the clamp to provide stable holding when closed while allowing easy displacement and repositioning when the hinge is actuated to open the clamp.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the clamp into two separable parts connected by a hinge: a fixed portion attached to the support and a movable gripping portion. This segmentation allows the gripping portion to be independently positioned and released, enabling displacement while maintaining stable holding when engaged.
3Force
If the clamp applies friction force through sharp edges, then the holding force is generated, but the support surface is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible elastomeric element acts as a compliant interface that generates friction force through distributed surface contact rather than concentrated edge contact. This flexible membrane increases the contact area with the support surface, generating adequate friction force while eliminating the mechanical damage caused by sharp edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining a rigid support attachment point with a flexible elastomeric gripping surface. This material combination allows the rigid portion to maintain structural integrity while the flexible portion provides damage-free friction contact with the support surface.
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 provides a secure clamping force when in the first position, while allowing easy removal and reattachment without damaging the support, thus preventing corrosion and simplifying maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the first gripping surface and second gripping surface being connected at one end to a hinge, movable between a first position and a second position
Implementation Method 2
The spring plate thus digs into the anodised layer of the oven profile with each attachment process. The holding mechanism is therefore non-positive and positive.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a clamp, in particular a clamp for holding a chromatography column, and methods of using such a clamp. A clamp includes a first gripping surface comprising a first recess for accommodating a support; and a second gripping surface comprising a second recess for accommodating the support. The first gripping surface and second gripping surface being connected at one end to a hinge, movable between a first position and a second position; and the hinge defining, in the first position, a first angle between the first gripping surface and the second gripping surface, wherein the recesses provide a clamping force against the support, and defining in the second position, a second angle between the first gripping surface and the second gripping surface, where the clamp is slidable along the support within the recesses.