Pivoting Locking Element Ladder Clamp for Rapid Vehicle Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ladder clamps are slow to use and prone to damage due to threaded connections that can corrode or become mechanically deformed, requiring time-consuming assembly and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A ladder clamp design featuring a locking element that pivots between un-clamped and clamped orientations, eliminating the need for threaded connections and allowing quick installation and secure attachment to vehicle roof bars, with a cam mechanism for easy operation and integral locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded connection is used to secure the ladder clamp, then the clamp can be securely attached to the vehicle, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes time-consuming and the threads are prone to damage from corrosion or mechanical deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional threaded mechanical connection system with a cam-based locking mechanism. The cam leverages rotational motion to generate linear clamping force through a cam surface, eliminating the need for threads while achieving secure attachment. This substitution dramatically reduces assembly time from multiple rotations of a threaded fastener to a single cam rotation action.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a nut that moves along a thread to create clamping force, the patent inverts the mechanism by using a cam that rotates to create clamping force. The cam's rotational motion is converted into linear motion through its cam surface, reversing the traditional approach where linear motion (threaded fastener) creates the clamping action.
2Reliability
If a threaded connection is used to secure the ladder clamp, then the clamp can be securely attached to the vehicle, but the threads become prone to damage from corrosion or mechanical deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates threaded connections entirely by substituting them with a cam-based locking mechanism. The cam surface converts rotational motion into linear clamping force without requiring threads, thereby removing the vulnerability to thread corrosion and mechanical deformation. The cam mechanism achieves equivalent or superior reliability without the harmful thread-related failure modes.
3Reliability
If a threaded connection with multiple parts is used, then the clamp can be securely attached, but the number of parts to assemble increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the clamp bar and nut into a single integrated cam mechanism. The cam body simultaneously provides the clamping surface and the locking function, eliminating the need for separate clamp bars and nuts. This consolidation reduces the number of parts while maintaining secure attachment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides the clamping force to secure the ladder, acts as the locking mechanism through its rotational engagement, and eliminates the need for separate adjustment components. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while achieving the same secure attachment result.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a ladder clamp comprising an anchor part and a ladder retaining part. The anchor part is able to be arranged to co-operate with a fixing on a vehicle. The ladder retaining part includes a body and a securing means. The securing means is co-operable with the anchor part to releaseably clamp thereto. The body is arrangeable to restrict the movement of a ladder in order to secure a portion of the ladder to the fixing on the vehicle. The securing means comprises a locking element that is able to pivot with respect to the body. In an un-clamped orientation the locking element does not restrict relative movement between the anchor part and the ladder retaining part. In a clamped orientation the locking element clamps to the anchor part. Abutment between the locking element and body restricts movement of the ladder retaining part away from the anchor part. Because the ladder clamp does not employ a threaded connection, it is less prone to damage. Moreover, the ladder retaining part can be quickly arranged on the anchor part and does not rely on a time consuming process of winding a nut down a length of thread. Thus, different sized ladders can be quickly and conveniently swapped on and off the vehicle.