Offset-Axis Clamping Assembly for 3D Unit Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for aligning separate units, such as racks or lockers, in space are cumbersome and often fail to adequately align units in three perpendicular directions.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device comprising a first and second clamp element, a locking element, and an alignment element, where the alignment element extends into alignment apertures offset from the locking axis, ensuring fixation in three perpendicular directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-part bracket with locking mechanism is used to align separate units, then the units can be connected and fixed in position, but it becomes cumbersome to align the units in multiple degrees of freedom (at least two directions, preferably three dimensions)
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is segmented into two independent elements: a locking element for axial fixation and an alignment element for rotational prevention. This segmentation allows each element to specialize in one degree of freedom, making the overall alignment process simpler and more reliable than a single complex bracket mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment element acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the locking element and the clamp elements. It provides the necessary geometric constraint (inclined contact interface) to prevent rotation while allowing the locking element to independently secure the axial position, thereby simplifying the operation of achieving multi-directional alignment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connection surfaces of bracket parts are adapted with angled geometries to enable multi-directional alignment, then alignment in multiple degrees of freedom is possible, but the alignment process remains cumbersome and difficult to achieve satisfactory precision
Solution Approach 1:
The complex alignment task is segmented into two simple geometric functions: axial locking (locking element) and rotational prevention (alignment element). This avoids the need for complex angled connection surfaces while achieving the same multi-degree-of-freedom alignment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of complicating the connection surfaces with multi-axis geometries, the invention introduces a separate alignment element that operates in a different dimensional space (offset from the locking axis). This dimensional separation simplifies each component's geometry while maintaining overall alignment versatility.
3Manufacturing precision
If the alignment element has an inclined contact interface with respect to the alignment axis, then the alignment element can be readily inserted into the apertures and force the clamp elements to align in three perpendicular directions, but this requires precise geometric configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined contact interface changes the geometric parameters of the alignment element, creating a self-aligning mechanism. As the alignment element is inserted, the inclined surface automatically guides the clamp elements into proper alignment, reducing the need for high-precision manual adjustment while maintaining alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined contact interface performs preliminary alignment action during the insertion process itself. The geometry is designed so that the act of insertion automatically forces the clamp elements into correct alignment before the locking element secures the position, thereby achieving precision without complex post-installation adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a clamping device for aligning separate units in space. The clamping device including a first clamp element and a second clamp element, each adapted to be mounted to a respective separate unit. A locking element is adapted to press the first clamp element and the second clamp element towards each other along a locking axis. An alignment element is adapted to, when the locking element is pressing the first and second clamp elements towards each other, at least partially extend into respective alignment apertures of the first and second clamp elements along an alignment axis offset from the locking axis. A contact interface between the alignment element and the first or second clamp element is inclined with respect to the alignment axis. The separate units may be racks, lockers, HVAC units, building elements, or the like.