Integrated Clamp Fixing System for Structural Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fixing systems for structures like radiofrequency antennas and street lamps on tall supports are complex, require multiple parts, and are prone to environmental damage, making installation difficult and unreliable.

Innovation Solution

A fixing system with a minimal number of parts that converts the movement of a locket push into translation movements of a clamp, distributing mechanical efforts across the locket push, clamp, and clamp support, allowing robust clamping on varying support structures with reduced environmental vulnerability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If multiple parts (bolts, nuts, washers) are used to firmly maintain the fixing system, then the fixing strength is improved, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing strengthVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple fastening components (bolts, nuts, washers) into a single integrated clamp structure. The clamp incorporates all these elements as unified components rather than separate parts, reducing the total number of elements while maintaining the necessary fixing strength through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp is designed as a universal fixing device that can accommodate various support structures (different geometries, materials, and configurations). This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace multiple specialized fasteners, simplifying the overall system while maintaining adaptability and strength across different application scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If multiple parts are used in the fixing system, then the fixing strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to disparate actions and tools needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing strengthVSAvoidinstallation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple fastening operations into a single clamp assembly, the patent reduces the number of discrete installation steps. The clamp can be installed as one unit rather than requiring sequential assembly of multiple separate fasteners, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining fixing strength through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp incorporates self-adjusting features that allow it to automatically adapt to different support structures during installation. This self-service capability reduces the need for precise manual adjustment and multiple tools, enabling faster installation while maintaining secure fixation across varying geometries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If numerous fastening parts are used, then the fixing strength is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to increased vulnerability to environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing strengthVSAvoidresistance to environmental damage
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple exposed fastening parts into a single integrated clamp with reduced external surfaces. This consolidation minimizes the total area exposed to environmental factors such as rain and corrosion, thereby improving reliability while maintaining fixing strength through the unified structure's optimized load distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp incorporates protective coatings or shell structures that shield the internal fastening mechanisms from environmental exposure. This protective layer prevents direct contact between corrosive elements (rain, moisture) and the fastening parts, enhancing reliability while preserving the structural integrity and strength of the fixing system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Strength

If multiple fastening components are used, then the fixing strength is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple fastening components into a single clamp that can be manufactured as one piece or pre-assembled unit. This merging reduces the number of separate manufacturing processes required, simplifying production while maintaining the necessary fixing strength through the consolidated design that distributes mechanical loads efficiently across the unified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system simplifies installation, increases robustness, and adapts to different geometries and environments, reducing the risk of damage and human effort required for fixing structures on supports like masts or poles.

Implementation Method 1

The fixing system converts the movement of the locket push towards the clamp into the translation movements of said clamp, for clamping said fixing system on the support structure.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical movement conversion: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP2953205B1A fixing system for fixing a structure on another structure
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 ALCATEL LUCENT SHANGHAI BELL CO LTD
  • EP2953205B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2953205B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2953205B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

A fixing system (FS), adapted for holding a first structure (S1) on a support structure (S2), said fixing system (FS) comprising: - a first clamp guide (CG1) extending longitudinally along a first axis (Y), - a first clamp (C1) slidingly mounted on the first clamp guide (CG1), - a clamp support (CS) adjoining a reception area (RA) adapted for receiving the support structure (S2), said reception area (RA) being comprised between a part of the clamp support (CS) and the first clamp (C1), - a locket push (LP) comprising a first sliding profile (SP1) adapted for coming into contact with a portion of the first clamp (C1), said first sliding profile (SP1) of the locket push (LP) moving towards the first clamp (C1), thereby inducing a first translation movement (T1) of said first clamp (C1) along the first clamp guide (CG1), said first translation movement (T1) reducing the size of the reception area (RA), therefore allowing the fixing system (FS) to clamp the support structure (S2) located in the reception area (RA) against the clamp support (CS).