Ratcheting Clamp Cuff for Fast Secure Pole Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping mechanisms are not easily adjustable, require tools for width adjustment, take too long to attach or detach, and often result in loose connections.
Innovation Solution
A clamping mechanism with a ratchet mechanism and a set screw for quick and secure attachment to elongated cylindrical members, featuring a resilient cuff and a quick release handle for adjustable clamping force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior art clamping mechanisms are made adjustable to fit various sized elongated cylindrical members, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases and requires tools for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism employs a dynamic adjustment system where the distance between the first and second cuffs can be modified. The adjustable member allows the cuffs to be positioned at different distances from each other, enabling the mechanism to adapt to cylindrical members of various diameters. This dynamic configuration provides versatility without requiring complex multi-component adjustment systems.
2Ease of operation
If prior art clamping mechanisms are designed for quick attachment and detachment, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of connection deteriorates resulting in loose connections
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism pre-positions the first and second cuffs in a constrained configuration that automatically engages with the cylindrical member upon attachment. The resilient nature of the cuffs ensures they are already prepared to apply clamping force, eliminating the need for additional tightening steps while maintaining secure connection through the inherent elastic recovery of the resilient material.
3Manufacturing precision
If prior art clamping mechanisms require tools for width adjustment, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable member is designed to be manually operable without requiring external tools. The mechanism allows the user to directly adjust the distance between cuffs through simple manual manipulation of the adjustable member, achieving precise positioning through self-contained adjustment features rather than tool-dependent mechanisms.
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 rapid and secure attachment to various diameter cylindrical members without tools, ensuring stable connections.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient first cuff member (112) attached thereto; a quick release handle (120) pivotally attached to the main body (110)... a resilient second cuff member (124) pivotally attached to the quick release handle (120)
Implementation Method 2
the curved ratchet portion (122) includes a plurality of spaced teeth thereon... an adjustment set screw (126) adapted to adjustably press against the resilient second cuff member (124)
Implementation Method 3
a pawl member (130) pivotally attached to the main body (110)... and adapted to releasably engage with the teeth of the ratchet portion (122)
Implementation Method 4
a torsion spring (150) that is embedded at a proximal end within the main body (110) and at a distal end is connected to the second cuff member (124)... to thereby bias the quick release handle (120) into an open position
Data Source
AI summary
An improved clamping mechanism that enables rapid and secure attachment to a wide variety of objects and includes an adjustable cuff that incorporates a ratchet mechanism to adjustably and quickly surround and securely contact elongated cylindrical members of various diameters. An additional set screw is incorporated to further tighten a portion of the cuff against a surface of the clamped cylindrical members. The improved clamping mechanism can be used to attach microphones, lights, instruments, smartphones, and other items to existing poles or stands or other equipment, and can be used to manage cables, ropes, wires, and other types of elongated items.