Spring-Loaded Panel Clamp for One-Handed Strut Channel Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamps require two hands for installation, making it difficult to use them in situations where only one hand is available or when in an awkward position, due to the need to depress the assembly and rotate the spring nut simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A clamp design featuring a rotatable nut held in place by a torsion spring, which automatically rotates into position within a strut channel when the top portion is pressed, allowing for single-handed installation and securement using a clamp screw.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional clamps with spring nuts are used, then the clamp can be securely attached to the strut channel, but two hands are required for installation making it difficult to use in awkward positions
Solution Approach 1:
The torsion spring automatically rotates the rotatable nut into the proper position within the strut channel when the top portion is pressed, eliminating the need for manual rotation by the installer. The system serves itself by using the pressing action to trigger the automatic positioning mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The torsion spring is pre-loaded to store rotational energy that is released when the top portion is pressed, causing the nut to automatically rotate into position before the clamp is fully installed. This preliminary automatic rotation prepares the clamp for securement without requiring two-handed operation.
2Ease of operation
If the spring nut is held in place by a torsion spring, then single-handed installation is enabled, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The torsion spring is integrated directly into the rotatable nut assembly, merging the spring mechanism with the nut structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate spring housing or mounting components, reducing overall device complexity while enabling single-handed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable nut serves multiple functions: it provides the compression mechanism for securing the clamp, acts as the rotating element for positioning, and integrates the torsion spring for automatic operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components.
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
Enables easy and efficient single-handed connection of the clamp to a strut channel, facilitating the securement of another structure without the need for two hands, improving usability in various installation scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
A clamp design featuring a rotatable nut held in place by a torsion spring, which automatically rotates into position within a strut channel when the top portion is pressed
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp includes a first member, a washer, a nut, a threaded bolt, a spring and a torsion spring. The first member may include side portions and have a first opening. The washer may include a second opening and at least one portion protruding in a downward direction from an upper surface of the washer. The nut may have an upper surface, a lower surface and a threaded opening. The threaded bolt may be disposed through the first opening, the second opening and the threaded opening. The spring may be located between a portion of the first member and the washer. The torsion spring may be located between the washer and the nut, where the torsion spring causes the nut to rotate when force is applied to an upper part of the first member.