Pole Clamp Assembly for Tool-Free Side Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamps for attaching accessories to poles require access to the ends, tool usage, and often modify the pole, making them cumbersome and limiting in application.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device comprising a first clamp component formed from bent wire that partially circumscribes the pole, a second rotatable clamp component, and a handle component that securely engages the clamp components about the pole's circumference without needing access to the ends or tools, using a locking pin for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional clamps are used to attach accessories to poles, then the accessories can be supported, but access to the ends of the pole is required and tools are needed for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into multiple components: a U-shaped body portion that opens around the pole, a separate handle component, and offset portions that can define accessory receiving spaces. This segmentation allows the clamp to be installed without access to pole ends and without tools, while still providing versatile accessory support capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the user to access the ends of the pole for installation like conventional clamps, this design allows installation from the side of the pole. The U-shaped body portion is opened and placed around the pole, then the handle is inserted through the pole to secure the clamp in place, completely inverting the traditional installation approach.
2Reliability
If conventional clamps require fastener tightening to secure to a pole, then secure attachment is achieved, but tool usage is necessitated
Solution Approach 1:
The handle component serves a dual function: it acts as both the securing mechanism and the installation tool. When inserted through the pole and rotated, the handle automatically tightens the clamp against the pole without requiring any external tools. The handle's own rotation provides the tightening action, making the system self-servicing during installation.
3Reliability
If some conventional clamps require pole modification for installation, then secure mounting is possible, but the installation becomes particularly burdensome
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp body is formed as a flexible U-shaped wire structure that can be opened and placed around the pole without modifying the pole. The wire formulation allows the clamp to conform to the pole's surface and be secured by the handle insertion, completely avoiding any pole modification while maintaining secure mounting.
4Device complexity
If a single clamp component is used, then the structure is simple, but secure engagement about the pole's circumference is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp merges multiple functions into a unified structure: the U-shaped body provides the circumferential engagement, the offset portions provide accessory support, and the integrated handle provides both installation and securing functions. This combination achieves secure engagement about the pole's circumference while maintaining relative structural simplicity.
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 secure attachment of various accessories to poles without end access or tool use, providing a versatile and efficient solution for supporting and suspending items.
Implementation Method 1
a first clamp component formed from bent wire, the first clamp component configured to partially circumscribe a pole
Implementation Method 2
a second clamp component rotatably coupled to the first clamp component; and a handle component configured to couple the second clamp component to the first clamp component; wherein, when the handle component is rotated in a first tightening direction, the first clamp component and the second clamp component are brought into secure engagement about the circumference of the pole
Implementation Method 3
the first clamp component and the second clamp component are brought into secure engagement about the circumference of the pole
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping device for securing an accessory to a pole is disclosed herein. The clamping device includes a first clamp component formed from bent wire, the first clamp component configured to partially circumscribe a pole, and including at least one offset portion for defining an accessory receiving space between the first clamp component and a sidewall of the pole; a second clamp component rotatably coupled to the first clamp component, formed from bent wire, and configured to partially circumscribe the pole; and a handle component configured to couple the second clamp component to the first clamp component. When the handle component is rotated in a first tightening direction, the first clamp component and the second clamp component are brought into secure engagement about the circumference of the pole. When the handle component is rotated in a second loosening direction, the clamping device is capable of being disengaged from the pole.