Hinged Shelf Fixing Clamp for Strong Grip and Easy Post Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shelf fixing clamps face issues with inconvenient installation, weak grip force, and susceptibility to accidental opening due to protruding handles and inadequate support structures, which complicates easy assembly and stability.
Innovation Solution
The proposed opening and closing type shelf fixing clamp features a main body with first and second fixing blocks, a semi-circular post insertion portion, and a fixing lever with double locking protrusions, allowing for stable attachment and detachment by reducing the number of fastening portions and hinges, enhancing grip force and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a screw type clamp is used, then grip force is strong, but installation is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp body is divided into two separate parts: a U-shaped body portion and a C-shaped opening/closing portion. These segments can be independently positioned around the support post and connected through a simple locking mechanism, eliminating the need for complex screw threading while maintaining strong grip force through the combined action of both portions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a screw mechanism to generate grip force, the invention inverts the approach by using a lever-type opening/closing portion that applies radial pressure directly to the support post. The grip force is generated through the mechanical advantage of the lever arm and the friction between the contact grooves and the post surface, rather than through threaded engagement.
2Ease of operation
If a lever type clamp is used, then installation is easy, but grip force is weak
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the advantages of both screw-type and lever-type clamps by combining a U-shaped body portion (providing stable support) with a C-shaped opening/closing portion (providing easy operation). The two portions work together to create a clamp that is both easy to install and capable of generating strong grip force through their combined mechanical action on the support post.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a dimensional aspect by using two different cross-sectional shapes (U-shape and C-shape) for the two portions. This allows each portion to engage with different parts of the support post's circumference, distributing the gripping force across multiple contact points and thereby increasing overall grip strength while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the fixing handle protrudes from the opening/closing portion, then the clamp can be easily operated, but the handle may be accidentally flipped by other objects
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing handle is nested within a recessed portion of the opening/closing portion rather than protruding outward. This nested configuration allows the handle to be easily gripped and operated while protecting it from accidental contact with external objects. The handle can still be rotated to lock or unlock the clamp, but its recessed position prevents unintended flipping by passing objects.
4Force
If the eccentric distance of the locking portion is increased to improve grip force, then grip force increases, but repulsive force between body portions increases causing gradual release
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the locking function from the eccentric locking portion and relocates it to a dedicated locking portion with a locking ball and locking groove mechanism. This separation allows the opening/closing portion to focus on providing grip force through its lever action, while the locking portion independently maintains the fastened state through positive mechanical locking, preventing gradual release even when eccentric distance is optimized for maximum grip force.
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
This design enables easy installation and disassembly, stable shelf support, and improved grip force, preventing distortion and accidental opening, while simplifying production and assembly processes.
Implementation Method 1
The locking portion 314 has an eccentric structure, and the grip force between the body portion 100 and the opening/closing portion 200 is proportional to an eccentric distance of the locking portion 314.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an opening and closing type shelf fixing clamp which can easily install and release a shelf, and can be easily and stably coupled to a post. The opening and closing type shelf fixing clamp comprises: a main body (100) which is coupled to a wire (3) constituting two side edges of a shelf (1) and to which a post is coupled; a fixing cover (300) which is coupled to one side of the main body through a hinge and which fixes the post (5) by covering the front surface of the post (5); and a fixing lever (500) which is coupled to the other side of the main body by means of a hinge and which presses the fixing cover toward the main body so as to fix the shelf to the post more stably.