Insertable Clamp With Spring-Aligned Clip for Dense Hole Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insertable clamps with fixed spreaders face issues of misalignment of clips with the body axis, making their insertion and removal complicated, especially when multiple clamps are used in closely grouped holes.
Innovation Solution
An insertable clamp design featuring a main tubular body with a compression spring that keeps the elastic clip aligned with the longitudinal axis, utilizing a driver nut with a tapped bore and a T-shaped spreader to ensure the clip remains aligned and securely engaged, facilitating easier insertion and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing insertable clamps are used with fixed spreaders, then the holding position of parts is satisfactory, but the clips misalign with the body axis complicating insertion and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical state of the clip from fixed to dynamically aligned by introducing a spring mechanism. The spring constant and pre-compression force are optimized to maintain constant alignment between the clip and body axis during insertion and removal operations, resolving the misalignment issue while preserving holding position performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded alignment mechanism automatically adjusts and maintains clip alignment with the body axis without external intervention. The spring force self-corrects any misalignment during insertion, making the system self-aligning and eliminating the need for precise manual positioning or complex adjustment mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing insertable clamps are used, then the holding position is secure, but the large diameters make use delicate when multiple clamps are inserted into closely grouped holes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic elements including a spring-loaded clip and movable spreader mechanism that allow the clamp to adapt its configuration during insertion. The spring enables the clip to flex and align with the body axis, while the movable spreader adjusts to accommodate varying hole spacings, allowing multiple clamps to be used in closely grouped holes without increasing overall clamp diameter.
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 design ensures constant alignment of the clip with the clamp body, simplifying the insertion and removal process, especially for flat clips, and allows for secure temporary assembly of structural parts with reduced diameter, enabling efficient use in densely drilled structures.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring placed inside the main body and holding the threaded end partially engaged in the tapped bore, by exerting a force along the longitudinal axis X tending to push back the threaded end towards the end of the main body opposite the bearing surface
Data Source
AI summary
Insertable clamp, for the temporary assembly of structural parts, including a main tubular body extending along a longitudinal axis X and a bearing surface intended to contact a first face of the structural parts, an elastic clip capable of passing through drilled aligned holes, produced in said parts, the clip being moveable along the longitudinal axis, rotatable about said axis of a driver nut provided with a tapped bore cooperating with a threaded end of said clip, the clip comprising two branches having hooking spurs for contacting with a last face of the structural parts, said branches transversally and progressively moving apart along a spreader, between said branches and fixed in relation to the main body, when exposed to the recoil of the clip, the clamp further includes a compression spring inside the body and holding the threaded end engaged in the tapped bore so the clip remains aligned with the longitudinal axis.