I-beam clamp with composite web and flange engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment mechanisms for I-beams on trailers lack effective and secure attachment points, often relying on edge attachments that are prone to corrosion and offer limited clamping surfaces, with known mechanisms failing to provide self-centering and secure multi-surface engagement.
Innovation Solution
A three-clamping member I-beam clamp that engages both the web and flange surfaces of I-beams, utilizing multiple surface contacts to ensure secure and self-centering attachment, capable of accommodating various I-beam sizes and materials, including plastic and composite materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal clamps are used for attachment to I-beams, then attachment strength is improved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is constructed as a composite structure combining metal components (for strength) and plastic components (for corrosion resistance). The plastic body engages with the I-beam web and flanges, while metal fasteners provide clamping force, creating a hybrid system that achieves both strong attachment and corrosion resistance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If clamps are attached to the edges of I-beams, then attachment flexibility is improved, but attachment security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp transitions from edge-only attachment to multi-surface attachment by engaging both the web (vertical surface) and flanges (horizontal surfaces) of the I-beam. This three-dimensional engagement pattern distributes attachment forces across multiple surfaces, significantly improving security while maintaining flexibility through the plastic's conformability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If plastic wedge design is used for attachment, then corrosion resistance is improved, but self-centering capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic clamp body features an asymmetric geometry with a tapered or wedged shape that naturally guides the clamp toward centered positioning on the I-beam during installation. The asymmetric design creates a self-aligning mechanism where the clamp automatically centers itself as it is forced onto the beam, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment.
4Device complexity
If clamps engage only three surfaces of I-beam, then device complexity is reduced, but attachment security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into multiple engagement elements: a web-engaging portion that contacts the vertical web surface, and flange-engaging portions that contact the horizontal flange surfaces. This segmentation allows the single clamp body to simultaneously engage multiple surfaces of the I-beam, distributing attachment forces and improving security without requiring multiple separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
An I-beam clamp (10) is provided that has a first clamping member (26) having a first flange engagement surface (28) configured for engagement with a first flange surface of a flange of an I-beam. The first clamping member has a first web engagement surface (30) configured for engagement with a first web surface of a web of the I-beam. A second clamping member (32) is provided and configured for engagement with the first flange surface and a second web surface of the web. The first and second clamping members are configured for movement relative to one another in a direction (28) perpendicular to the first and second web surfaces. A third clamping member (40) is present and has a third flange engagement surface (42) configured for engagement with a second flange surface of the flange. The third clamping member is configured for movement toward the second flange surface of the flange of the I-beam.