Panel Clamping Bar Assembly for Sealed Glove Box Enclosures
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of glove boxes for handling radioactive materials is cumbersome due to the tendency of clamp brackets to move or fall during tightening, resulting in functional play and contamination issues, as well as protruding components that interfere with operator clothing.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a clamping bar with a base and perpendicular clamping flank, featuring tapped holes and grub screws for secure panel attachment, along with a protective tongue to prevent contamination, simplifies assembly and reduces exposure to hazardous materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional clamp brackets with subframes are used to attach panels to the supporting structure, then the panel can be securely clamped, but the assembly process becomes tedious and time-consuming due to the complexity of the clamping mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp bracket is divided into a fixed part (attached to the supporting structure) and a movable clamping part (with clamping jaws), allowing the panel to be secured through a simpler attachment process while maintaining reliable clamping
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp bracket is pre-assembled with the supporting structure, and the panel is pre-positioned with sealing gaskets before the final clamping action, streamlining the overall assembly process
2Reliability
If traditional clamp brackets with multiple components are used, then the panel can be clamped securely, but the number of parts increases making the assembly process more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp bracket design integrates the mounting function and clamping function into a single component that attaches directly to the supporting structure, eliminating the need for separate subframes and reducing the overall number of parts while maintaining secure panel attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp bracket serves multiple functions: it provides structural support attachment, panel clamping, and positioning, all in a single component design, thereby reducing complexity without compromising security
3Reliability
If traditional clamp brackets are used during assembly, then the panel can be clamped, but the brackets may tilt or move during tightening causing functional gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is pre-positioned and secured with temporary fixtures or alignment tools before the final clamping action, ensuring proper alignment and preventing tilting or movement during the tightening process
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment features such as guide rails, positioning pins, or adjustable mounting holes are incorporated into the clamp bracket design to compensate for minor misalignments and prevent tilting during assembly
4Reliability
If traditional clamp brackets with exposed threads are used, then the clamping function is achieved, but contamination can lodge around and between the brackets making decontamination difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded fastening mechanism is extracted from the exposed external environment and enclosed within the clamp bracket structure, with contamination-resistant covers or seals that prevent radioactive material from lodging around threads and joints while maintaining the clamping function
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible contamination shields or seals are used to cover the clamping mechanism, preventing radioactive contamination from accessing threaded areas while allowing the clamping function to operate effectively
5Reliability
If traditional clamp brackets are used, then the panel can be clamped securely, but the protruding brackets catch operators' clothing creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the clamping mechanism protrude outward from the panel, the design inverts the arrangement so that the clamp brackets are recessed or flush-mounted, with the clamping action occurring from the inside or at the panel edge, eliminating protruding parts that could catch clothing while maintaining secure attachment
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a mounting bracket (23) for a panel (22) by clamping the perimeter of the panel onto a profile (21) of a supporting structure to form a closed enclosure. This bracket (23) comprises a body (29) including a base (33) extended by a clamping flange (34) extending at a right angle to this base (33). Mounting holes pass through the base (33) and the clamping flange (34) to rigidly fix this bracket to the profile (21) of the supporting structure by means of screws (31). The clamping flange (34) includes several tapped holes (36), each tapped hole being equipped with a clamping screw (37) to clamp the perimeter of the panel (22) against the profile (21) of the supporting structure.