Load Carrier Coupling Clamping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load carrier couplings have a clamping mechanism that protrudes too far to the side, leading to inefficiencies in clamping force distribution and stability, particularly when dealing with mechanical overload or wear.
Innovation Solution
The load carrier coupling features an actuating body that pivots about a pivot axis, using a pressure roller or sliding surface to adjust the clamping parts into an over-center position, allowing for adjustable clamping force through a spring arrangement and linear adjusting means, ensuring optimal clamping at the coupling body's largest diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the clamping lever extends over the coupling body with a pulling action, then the clamping mechanism can be implemented, but the clamping mechanism protrudes relatively far to the side leading to poor clamping force distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the clamping mechanism design from a side-protruding configuration to a configuration where the actuating body acts vertically on the adjusting clamping part. The pressure roller or sliding surface presses the adjusting clamping part in the vertical direction, causing the clamping parts to close from above rather than from the side, thereby improving clamping force distribution and reducing side protrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dimension of clamping action from horizontal (side-protruding) to vertical (over-center). The actuating body pivots about a horizontal pivot axis and acts vertically on the adjusting clamping part, utilizing the vertical dimension to achieve better clamping force distribution and stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the clamping mechanism is fixed, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to mechanical overload or component wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capability through the spring arrangement and adjusting means. The pivot bearing can be adjusted parallel to the over-center axis, and the spring arrangement can be preloaded to vary the clamping force, allowing the system to adapt to different mechanical stress conditions and component wear states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes in the clamping force through the adjusting means and spring arrangement. By adjusting the pivot bearing position parallel to the over-center axis and modifying the spring preload, the clamping force parameters can be changed to accommodate mechanical overload or wear conditions.
3Force
If the actuating body acts at varying positions on the adjusting clamping part, then the mechanism is simple, but the clamping effect is not optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through the over-center mechanism and adjusting means. The actuating body pivots about a horizontal axis and acts at a consistent vertical position on the adjusting clamping part, with the over-center position providing mechanical feedback to maintain optimal clamping effect throughout the clamping stroke.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the pivot bearing is not adjustable, then the structure is simpler, but the pressing point varies in the clamping position reducing stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the pivot bearing adjustable parallel to the over-center axis, allowing the pressing point to be optimized for different coupling body sizes and shapes. This dynamic adjustment capability maintains consistent vertical pressing action while adapting to different operational conditions, thereby improving clamping stability.
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
This design enhances the clamping effect by maintaining a consistent pressing point, improving stability and adaptability to mechanical stress, while allowing for easy release of the coupling body, thus addressing inefficiencies in existing couplings.
Implementation Method 1
The adjusting means comprise, for example, a spring arrangement or act on a spring arrangement which is designed to load the actuating body and/or the at least one adjusting clamping part in the direction of the clamping position
Implementation Method 2
a pressure roller or sliding surface acting in the sense of pressing acts on the adjusting clamping part
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The coupling (4) has a clamping device with several clamping portions. The clamping portion forms the basis of a clamping lever (21) between the introduction of coupling structures (10) that are provided between the clamping portions in the open position and the coupling structure that is clamped in the clamping position, is moved. A pivoting operating structure acts in the clamping lever on a basis of pivot bearing about a pivot axis. A pressure roller moves the clamping portion in the clamping position. An independent claim is included for a load carrier.