Nested Circular Clamp Structure for Easy Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamps for circular objects often require complex installation processes due to multiple loose pieces and rely heavily on friction, necessitating strong materials to achieve sufficient engagement, which can complicate usage and increase material thickness.
Innovation Solution
The design features nested clamp members with C-shaped cross-sectional profiles that securely engage circular objects, allowing for easier installation and increased structural strength with thinner materials by utilizing multiple contact points rather than solely frictional engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional clamps use multiple loose pieces with frictional engagement, then the clamp can secure circular objects, but the installation process becomes complex and material thickness must be increased to achieve sufficient engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate clamp members into a single integrated clamp body with split arms that wrap around the circular object. Instead of using multiple loose pieces that require assembly, the invention features a unified structure where the arms are connected at the base, eliminating the need for separate components and simplifying installation while maintaining secure engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is segmented into multiple arms that wrap around the circular object independently, with each arm providing contact points. This segmentation allows the clamp to conform to the circular shape and distribute loading, achieving secure engagement without requiring thick materials or complex multi-piece assemblies
2Reliability
If conventional clamps rely on frictional engagement, then the clamp can hold circular objects, but material thickness must be increased to achieve sufficient friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating contact forces at specific points where the arms meet the circular object. Instead of relying on distributed friction across large surface areas, the design creates localized contact zones at the arm tips and along the wrapped arms, providing reliable retention with thinner materials through focused mechanical engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp arms are designed with curved profiles that wrap around the circular object, creating multiple contact points along the curvature. This curved geometry allows the clamp to conform to the circular shape and provide retention through geometric interlocking and distributed contact forces rather than relying solely on friction, enabling thinner material usage
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional clamps use multi-piece configurations with bolts, then the clamp can be assembled, but the installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple clamp members into a single integrated structure with split arms, eliminating the need for separate components that require bolting or fastening. The unified design allows the clamp to be installed as one piece that simply wraps around the circular object, dramatically reducing installation time and complexity while maintaining the ability to secure the object reliably
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp can be configured to secure a circular object and can include a first clamp member and a second clamp member. The first clamp member can include a first clamp portion and the second clamp member can include a second clamp portion. The first clamp portion and the second clamp portion can be configured to receive the circular object therebetween, and to secure the circular object within the clamp with the second clamp member nested with the first clamp member.