Hinged Light Guide Clamp for Secure Tool-Free Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping systems for light guide elements, especially those made of flexible materials, face challenges in achieving secure fastening without requiring extensive coverage along the entire length and often necessitate additional components or translucent structure elements, complicating production and design.
Innovation Solution
A clamping means with two hinged clamping sections that allow easy insertion and removal of light guide elements, featuring a circular receiving section with a positive fit and non-translucent design, and fastening sections that secure the clamping means to a structure element without tools or adhesives, enabling durable fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clamping means extend along the entire length of the light guide element to ensure safe fastening of flexible materials, then fastening reliability is improved, but device complexity and production difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping means is divided into two separate clamping sections (first clamping section and second clamping section) that can be opened and closed independently. Each section has its own receiving portion and fastening portion, allowing the light guide element to be clamped at multiple discrete locations rather than requiring continuous coverage along the entire length.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping sections are made movable relative to each other through a hinge connection, transitioning between an open state (for insertion/removal of the light guide element) and a closed state (for clamping). This dynamic capability allows a single clamping means to adapt to different installation and operational states without requiring extensive structural complexity.
2Reliability
If additional mounting parts or translucent structure elements are used to achieve secure fastening, then fastening reliability is improved, but device complexity and production difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving portion and fastening portion are merged into a single integrated clamping section structure. The receiving portion (with recess and undercut) and the fastening portion (with fastening element) form one cohesive component that can be manufactured as a single piece, eliminating the need for separate mounting parts or additional assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping section serves multiple functions simultaneously: it receives and holds the light guide element (receiving function), provides mechanical fastening to the structure element (fastening function), and enables tool-free installation (ease of operation function). This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity and production requirements.
3Ease of operation
If clamping means are designed for easy insertion and removal of light guide elements, then ease of operation is improved, but fastening reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving portion is pre-designed with a recess and undercut geometry that guides the light guide element into the correct position during insertion. The fastening element is pre-configured in the clamping section, so that when the clamping sections are closed, the fastening action occurs automatically without requiring additional manual intervention, ensuring both ease of operation and reliable fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess in the receiving portion features curved or rounded surfaces that facilitate the insertion of the light guide element by guiding it smoothly into place. The undercut portion provides a snap-fit mechanism that secures the element reliably once inserted, combining ease of insertion with secure retention.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping means for a light guide element includes a receiving section for receiving the light guide element, and a fastening section for fastening the clamping means (and thus the light guide element) to a structure element. The clamping means features two clamping sections connected to each other by a hinge. When the clamping sections are opened to each other, the light guide element can be inserted into or removed from the receiving section. When the clamping sections are closed to each other, the light guide element is hold in the receiving section.