Reusable Clamp with Identical Gland Members and Tool-Free Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamps for connecting conduit sections and fittings in manufacturing processes are costly due to the need for distinct gland members, and they often require specialized tools or damage the components during opening and closing, compromising sterility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A clamp design featuring identical gland members with pivotable joint and locking portions, including user-manipulable release mechanisms, allows for easy opening and closing without specialized tools, ensuring sterility and reusability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If distinct gland members are used in conventional clamps, then the clamping function is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple gland members into a single integrated clamp body that performs all clamping functions. The clamp body includes a body portion, a first jaw portion, and a second jaw portion that work together as one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate gland members and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining clamping effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The single clamp body structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the clamping force through the jaw portions, maintains the clamped state through the detent mechanism, and enables controlled opening through the release lever. This multi-functional design replaces what previously required multiple specialized components
2Ease of operation
If conventional clamps are opened and closed, then connection adjustment is possible, but components may be damaged compromising sterility
Solution Approach 1:
The detent mechanism pre-positions the jaw portions in a securely clamped state through the engagement of the detent feature with the jaw portion. This preliminary securing action ensures that once clamped, the connection remains stable and sterile without requiring continuous force or risk of accidental opening
Solution Approach 2:
The release lever operates through a self-contained mechanical advantage system where pulling the lever automatically translates to jaw opening through the hinge connection. The mechanism serves itself by converting simple lever pull motion into the complex coordinated movement needed to open the clamp without damaging components
3Ease of operation
If specialized tools are used for clamp operation, then precise control is achieved, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp operates through self-contained mechanical mechanisms that translate simple user actions into precise controlled movements. The hinge connection and detent mechanism automatically provide the necessary control precision without requiring specialized tools, while the simple release lever operation maintains high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge connection acts as an intermediary mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the release lever into the opening motion of the jaw portions. This mechanical intermediary provides smooth, controlled movement that is both precise and easy to operate without specialized tools
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp (5) includes first and second gland members (10, 20) having first and second joint portions (11, 21), first and second locking portions (12, 22), and first and second clamping portions (13, 23) disposed between the joint portions and the locking portions. The first and second joint portions are connected for movement of the first and second gland members between an open position and at least one clamping position. The first locking portion is configured to interlock with the second locking portion to secure the first and second gland members in the at least one clamping position. The first and second locking portions further include corresponding first and second user manipulable release portions (15, 25), independently operable for disengagement of the corresponding one of the first and second locking portions from the other of the first and second locking portions to permit movement of the first and second gland members to the open position.