Quick-Release Clamp With Form-Fit Locking for One-Handed Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-release clamps for attaching instruments to stands often require two-handed operation or are prone to unintentional loosening under heavy or oscillating loads due to spring-dependent clamping forces, making them unreliable for flexible and efficient setup and teardown.
Innovation Solution
A quick-release clamp design featuring a form-fit connection between the clamping jaw, operating element, and housing, with a spring acting only on the operating element to maintain the clamping jaw's rest position, allowing for one-handed operation and adjustable clamping forces independent of spring force, and incorporating pivotable clamping jaws and structured surfaces for enhanced friction and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring force is used to maintain clamping force, then the clamp can maintain continuous pressure on the instrument, but the clamping force becomes dependent on spring characteristics and may loosen under heavy or oscillating loads
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is segmented into two independent functional parts: a form-fit connection system for generating holding forces and a spring system for positioning the operating element. This segmentation allows the holding forces to be adjusted independently from the spring force, resolving the contradiction between reliable clamping and adjustable clamping force.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp transitions from a static spring-dependent clamping system to a dynamic system where the form-fit connection can be intentionally engaged or disengaged. The operating element moves between positions to establish or release the form-fit connection, allowing the user to dynamically control the clamping state and adjust holding forces as needed.
2Reliability
If the clamp design requires two-handed operation or multiple movements, then the clamping connection can be securely established, but the operation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The operating element combines multiple functions into a single component: it positions the clamping jaw, establishes the form-fit connection, and maintains the clamped state. By moving this single operating element, the user simultaneously controls all clamping actions, achieving secure connection with one-handed operation and reducing operation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The form-fit connection is designed to be established automatically when the operating element is moved to the correct position, eliminating the need for separate locking actions. The geometry of the operating element and clamping jaw are pre-configured so that proper positioning inherently creates the secure form-fit connection.
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
The solution simplifies operation, increases clamping reliability, and maintains secure connections even under heavy loads by ensuring the form-fit connection is released only through intentional movement of the operating element, while the structured surfaces enhance friction and interlocking with the stand, ensuring stable attachment and detachment.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is arranged between the housing and the operating element. The spring holds the operating element in a position through which the clamping jaw can be brought into the rest position and/or locked.
Implementation Method 2
incorporating pivotable clamping jaws and structured surfaces for enhanced friction and reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-release clamp for releasably attaching an instrument, in particular a percussion instrument, to a stand includes a passage opening for the stand, at least one movable clamping jaw for changing a cross-section of the passage opening, an operating element for influencing a position of the clamping jaw, and a housing. In the rest position of the at least one clamping jaw there is a form-fit connection between the at least one clamping jaw, the operating element and the housing to prevent the movement of the clamping jaw.