Hinged Support Members for Automatic Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional support systems for items like doors are cumbersome, difficult to transport, and require manual actuation for clamping, making it challenging for a single person to balance and clamp the item effectively.
Innovation Solution
A support system comprising hingedly or pivotably connected members that clamp and unclamp automatically based on the weight of the item, eliminating the need for manual actuation, with adjustable features for universal fit and easy transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional support systems are used to support items like doors, then the item can be supported, but the system is cumbersome and difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into two separate members (first member and second member) that can function independently or together. Each member can support items individually, and when combined they provide enhanced support capability. This segmentation allows the system to be transported in a compact state while providing robust support when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second members are designed to nest within each other when not in use, creating a compact storage configuration. The smaller member can be inserted into or alongside the larger member, significantly reducing the transport footprint while maintaining full support functionality when deployed.
2Force
If manual clamping mechanisms are used on conventional jigs, then clamping force can be applied, but it requires two hands to operate simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The support system utilizes the weight of the item itself to generate clamping force through the hinge mechanism. As the item is placed between the members, gravity causes the members to pivot and automatically engage clamping action without requiring manual intervention. This self-actuating mechanism allows single-handed operation while maintaining effective clamping force.
3Stability of the object's composition
If large jigs are used to support items, then stable support is provided, but they are not easily transportable
Solution Approach 1:
The support system transitions from a static, fixed-size jig to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The members can pivot relative to each other via hinges, allowing the system to adapt its geometry for both stable support during use and compact transport when not in use. This dynamic capability enables the system to provide stable support without requiring a large fixed structure.
4Reliability
If conventional support systems require balancing the item on a surface, then support is achieved, but it requires manual balancing and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge-connected members automatically adjust their positions in response to the weight and placement of the item. As the item is placed between the members, the hinge mechanism causes the members to pivot and self-align, providing automatic positioning without requiring manual balancing. The system uses the item's own weight to drive the positioning action.
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
Enables hands-free operation and easy positioning of heavy items, allowing for efficient use and storage, as the system automatically adjusts between clamped and unclamped positions based on the item's weight, enhancing usability and portability.
Implementation Method 1
said first and second members are hingedly or pivotably movable between said clamped and/or unclamped positions
Implementation Method 2
the weight of an item located between said recess and/or on said hinge or pivot arrangement causes at least a part of said first and/or second members to move towards each other
Data Source
AI summary
Support means are provided for supporting one or more items in use. The support means includes at least first and second members and at least one of said first and second member movable relative to the other member to allow clamping and/or unclamping on an item located between said members. The first and second members being hingedly or pivotably movable between said clamped and/or unclamped positions.