Vertical Rail Positioning Clamp With Cam-Release Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional positioning clamps for attaching to vertical tracks or rails have complex structures that are difficult to manufacture and operate quickly and easily.
Innovation Solution
A positioning clamp with a housing, frame, bracket, and latch mechanism that includes a cam member with a groove for easy attachment and release from the rail, utilizing a spring biasing member and flanges for stable anchoring, and a hand grip for actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional positioning clamps use traditional screw or handgrip mechanisms for attaching to vertical tracks, then the attachment can be secure, but the structure becomes complicated and difficult to manufacture and operate quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning clamp is divided into separate functional components: a body portion with a cam mechanism for attachment/detachment, a positioning mechanism with adjustable elements, and a support portion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining secure attachment through the specialized cam mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a screw mechanism that requires threading and multiple turns to secure attachment, the invention uses a cam mechanism where rotational motion is converted into linear clamping force. The cam profile is designed so that rotation in one direction creates secure engagement with the track, while rotation in the opposite direction automatically releases the attachment, reversing the traditional approach to secure fastening.
2Reliability
If conventional positioning clamps use traditional screw or handgrip mechanisms, then the attachment can be secure, but the operation becomes time-consuming and not quick
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism operates through periodic rotational action where a limited arc of rotation (typically 90-180 degrees) is sufficient to complete the attachment or detachment process. This periodic motion replaces the continuous rotational action required by screw mechanisms, significantly reducing the time required for operation while maintaining secure attachment through the cam's mechanical advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism transforms static rotational input into dynamic clamping force through its profile design. As the cam rotates, the contact point between the cam and the track moves dynamically, creating varying normal forces that automatically engage and disengage the attachment. This dynamic action allows quick operation without requiring precise control or multiple adjustment steps.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional positioning clamps use simple structures, then manufacturing and operation may be easier, but the attachment stability and reliability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential attachment function from the complex screw mechanism and isolates it into a dedicated cam mechanism. This extracted cam component is designed with optimized geometry to provide reliable attachment stability, while the remaining structure can be simplified for easier manufacturing. The cam profile is the critical element that concentrates the attachment reliability in a simple, manufacturable form.
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 quick and stable attachment and release from the rail, allowing for easy positioning and repositioning without complex operation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring biasing member engaged onto the latch and engaged between the shaft and the seat
Implementation Method 2
a cam member including a groove formed in the cam member for receiving and engaging with the shaft and for contacting and engaging with the curved surface of the seat, and for actuating and forcing the frame and the housing and the seat toward each other
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning carrier for attaching to a rail having a rib includes a housing having a bore, a frame attached to the housing and engaged onto the rail and having a compartment for receiving the rail, a bracket engaged into the frame and engaged with the rail, a seat attached to the housing and having a curved surface, a latch engaged through the frame and the housing and the seat, a shaft attached to the latch, a spring biasing member engaged onto the latch and engaged between the shaft and the seat, and a cam member engaged with the shaft and engaged with the curved surface of the seat for actuating the frame and the housing and the seat toward each other or for releasing the frame and the housing and the seat from each other.