Adjustable P-Clamp With Side-Locking Hinge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamps, particularly p-clamps, face issues such as twisting, bending, surface abrasion due to worn coatings, difficulty in release, damage during removal, and inability to withstand harsh environments like dirt, debris, UV exposure, and heavy vibration, necessitating a clamp that can securely hold elongate articles while being easily releasable and durable.
Innovation Solution
A side-locking clamp assembly with symmetrical locking arcuate members joined by a hinge mechanism, featuring a tongue and pawl lock mechanism with serrations and teeth for secure engagement, and a mounting element for attachment to a support surface, along with an optional tension tab for aiding closure and tensioning, ensuring the clamp remains secure even if the hinge fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional metal clamps are used to secure elongate items, then the clamp can provide initial securing force, but the clamp may twist and bend during application and fail under harsh conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp combines a rigid frame structure with a flexible resilient member. The frame provides structural support and positioning, while the resilient member (made of elastomeric or polymeric material) provides continuous securing force and absorbs vibrations. This composite construction prevents twisting and bending while maintaining reliability under harsh conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp uses a resilient member with specific durometer hardness (e.g., 60-90 Shore A) and elastic modulus to optimize the balance between flexibility and strength. The material properties are selected to provide sufficient securing force while resisting deformation under vibration and thermal conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If coating is applied to clamp surfaces to prevent abrasion, then surface protection is improved, but the coating may wear away and cause surface abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp uses a unitary resilient member made of homogeneous elastomeric or polymeric material throughout its structure. This eliminates the need for separate coating layers, as the entire surface is inherently abrasion-resistant and non-marring. The homogeneous material composition ensures consistent surface properties without coating failure.
3Strength
If the clamp is designed to be securely locked, then the securing force is maintained, but the clamp becomes difficult to open and may be damaged during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp employs a dynamic release mechanism where the frame can be temporarily disengaged from the resilient member to open the clamp. The resilient member maintains continuous tension on the elongate item, while the frame's position can be changed from engaged to disengaged state. This allows easy opening without damaging the clamp or the item.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is divided into separable components: a frame structure and a resilient member. The frame can be detached from the resilient member, allowing the clamp to open easily. This segmentation enables the securing force to be maintained when closed while facilitating easy opening when needed.
4Reliability
If the clamp is designed for specific application environments, then performance in that environment is optimized, but the user must maintain a large inventory for different circumstances
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed as a universal device that can be used in multiple application environments. The resilient member and frame configuration can accommodate different elongate items (cables, hoses, pipes) of varying sizes and materials. The clamp performs reliably in diverse conditions including vibration, thermal variations, and exposure to chemicals, eliminating the need for multiple specialized clamp types.
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 clamp assembly effectively secures elongate items to a support surface, withstands harsh conditions, and allows for facile release, addressing the shortcomings of traditional clamps by providing a durable and reliable solution for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member encircling an elongate item and secured to a frame
Implementation Method 2
the mounting element is insertable into a bore of the support surface such that the mounting element friction fits the bore to prevent rotation of the clamp assembly
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
Figure 8~11
AI summary
A P-clamp assembly (10) and method to secure elongate items, such as wires, cables and the like into bundles and to further secure the bundles a support structure. The assembly includes an integrally formed clamp member (16) and a mount element (18). The clamp member (16) includes a pair of substantially symmetrical, locking arcuate members (20A, 20B) that includes a hinge mechanism (22).