Reusable Screw Clamp Cylinder Loop Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices such as cable ties and hose clamps are typically designed for single-use, requiring disposal and replacement when repositioning is needed, which is costly and inefficient, and they lack aesthetic appeal and durability.
Innovation Solution
A reusable clamping device comprising a plastic cylinder with a threaded interior and a slot, combined with a hex head screw and a plastic loop that can be wrapped around items, allowing for easy tightening, loosening, and repositioning without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cable ties are used for clamping applications, then they are low cost and easy to use, but they must be cut off and cannot be loosened or reused
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into separate components: a body portion and a loop portion connected by a fastening mechanism. This segmentation allows the clamp to be disassembled and reassembled multiple times, enabling reuse while maintaining ease of operation. The screw mechanism acts as the fastening component that connects these segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp transitions from a static, single-use design to a dynamic, adjustable design. The screw mechanism allows the clamp to be tightened, loosened, and repositioned dynamically, providing versatility and reusability while keeping the device simple to operate.
2Force
If hose clamps are used for tightening applications, then they provide substantial tightening force, but they take significant time to use and rust after a period
Solution Approach 1:
The problematic metal components that rust are extracted and replaced with corrosion-resistant materials. The body portion and loop portion are made from materials that do not rust, eliminating the rusting issue while maintaining the necessary tightening force through the screw mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The material parameters are changed from metal to corrosion-resistant materials, and the fastening mechanism parameters are optimized to reduce assembly time. The screw thread design and loop connection geometry are adjusted to enable quicker tightening and loosening operations.
3Reliability
If traditional fastening devices are used, then they provide functional clamping capability, but they are not aesthetically pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp combines different materials with complementary properties: the body portion and loop portion use materials that provide both structural integrity for reliable clamping and aesthetic appearance. The integration of these materials creates a device that is both functionally effective and visually appealing.
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 device provides a cost-efficient, aesthetically pleasing, and durable solution for temporary or permanent clamping applications, enabling easy removal and reuse, reducing waste and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
The screw is configured to be fastened into the cylinder such that the screw may be tightened and loosened for re-use
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping device having a cylinder and a screw. The screw is configured to be fastened into the cylinder such that the screw may be tightened, removed and reused. The device may also include a loop associated with the cylinder that wraps around the item to be clamped and is insertable into the cylinder.