Equipment clamping assembly having horizontal and vertical clamps for use in rugged and other environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic equipment in rugged environments, such as military or commercial applications, is prone to damage or ejection due to severe shocks and vibrations, as standard commercial-off-the-shelf equipment is not designed to withstand these conditions.
Innovation Solution
A clamping assembly with horizontal and vertical clamps that secure equipment to a support structure, using side rails with sliding clamps and threaded rods to apply adjustable clamping forces, preventing back-driving and ensuring equipment stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard COTS equipment is used, then cost is reduced and availability is improved, but reliability deteriorates in rugged environments due to shocks and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by implementing a clamping assembly with horizontal and vertical clamps that preemptively secure equipment against shocks and vibrations before they occur. The clamps create a rigid mounting structure that cushions the equipment from environmental hazards in rugged environments, allowing COTS equipment to operate reliably without being inherently designed for such conditions.
2Reliability
If equipment is securely clamped to prevent movement, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases due to additional clamping mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple clamping functions into a single integrated assembly. The horizontal clamps and vertical clamps are combined with the side rails and mounting structure to create a unified clamping system. This merging reduces overall complexity compared to implementing separate mounting solutions for each direction of shock and vibration protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides horizontal clamping, vertical clamping, shock absorption, vibration damping, and secure mounting all through a single integrated structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby managing complexity while achieving reliable equipment stabilization.
3Reliability
If multiple clamps are used to apply clamping forces in different directions, then equipment security improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to more adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple adjustment mechanisms into an integrated system where horizontal and vertical clamps work together through a unified mounting structure. This merging allows for coordinated adjustment that simplifies operation compared to independently adjusting multiple separate clamping devices, while still providing comprehensive equipment security in multiple directions.
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 clamping assembly effectively secures electronic equipment in cabinets, preventing damage from shocks and vibrations, allowing COTS equipment to be used in harsh environments and reducing the risk of equipment loosening over time.
Implementation Method 1
The hardware pull can include a threaded rod, a pin, or another connector. The connector can be received by the side clamp and can be tightened to create the clamping force
Implementation Method 2
The first and second clamps are configured to apply first and second clamping forces to the component in different directions from one another
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a clamping assembly configured to secure a component in or to a support structure. The clamping assembly includes a first side rail configured to be coupled to the support structure. The clamping assembly also includes first and second clamps each configured to slide along the first side rail. The first and second clamps are configured to apply first and second clamping forces to the component in different directions from one another. The clamping assembly may further include a second side rail configured to be coupled to the support structure and third and fourth clamps each configured to slide along the second side rail, where the third and fourth clamps are configured to apply third and fourth clamping forces to the component in different directions from one another.