Pipe Clamp Bolt Guide Channel Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe clamps lack a reliable and efficient locking mechanism that is easy to produce and use, often requiring complex designs or tools for assembly and securing.
Innovation Solution
A closable device with a first element and a second element, featuring a bolt with a head that passes through a keyhole-shaped opening in the second element, where the insertion area is wider than the head and the securing area is narrower, combined with merging insertion and securing channels that guide the bolt into a secure position, preventing accidental disassembly without tools, and utilizing a spring for additional security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional locking mechanism is used in pipe clamps, then the connection between elements can be secured, but the assembly and disassembly require tools and complex procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The through-opening is segmented into two distinct functional areas: an insertion area with larger diameter for easy bolt passage, and a locking area with smaller diameter for secure retention. This segmentation allows the bolt to be easily inserted while automatically locking without requiring tools or complex procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt head acts as an intermediary element that transitions from the insertion area to the locking area. Its diameter is specifically designed to pass through the insertion area but be retained by the locking area, mediating between ease of insertion and secure locking.
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple through-hole is used for bolt passage, then assembly is easy, but the bolt cannot be securely locked without additional locking features
Solution Approach 1:
The through-opening is divided into two segments along its length: an insertion area with larger diameter for easy manufacturing and bolt passage, and a locking area with smaller diameter that provides positive locking. This segmentation achieves both ease of manufacture and reliable locking in a single integrated feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The through-opening serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the bolt during insertion, secures the bolt head through the locking area, and requires no additional locking features. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall design while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If the insertion area and locking area are separated by a sharp transition, then the locking is secure, but the bolt head may get stuck during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The transition between insertion and locking areas is designed with a tapered geometry that dynamically guides the bolt head from the larger insertion area into the smaller locking area. This dynamic transition ensures smooth passage while maintaining secure retention, preventing the bolt head from getting stuck.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~14
AI summary
The invention relates to a device with two interconnectable elements. The first element (1) has a bolt (15), and the second element (2) has a base (21) and a body (22). The base is equipped with a through-opening (30) which has an insertion region (31) and an offset securing region (32). The insertion region has a larger width than a head of the bolt, and the securing region has a smaller width than the head of the bolt. The body (22) is equipped with an insertion channel (41) adjoining the insertion region and a securing channel (42) adjoining the securing region, said channels transitioning into each other. A width reduction is formed at the transition point, wherein the width reduction runs out at a distance from the base such that the head of the bolt is blocked from passing between the securing channel and the insertion channel in the vicinity of the base but is allowed to do so farther away from the base.