S-Shaped Clamp for Building Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for positioning longitudinal building components are cumbersome due to a large number of individual parts, lack flexibility in accommodating components of varying diameters, and require separate springs, leading to complex and expensive installations with limited adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A device with an S-shaped clamp configuration that eliminates the need for separate jaws and springs, featuring adjustable clamp openings and self-springing properties, allowing for flexible accommodation of components of various diameters through elastic deformation and conical engagements to prevent rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If separate jaws and spiral springs are used to accommodate building components, then the device can provide clamping force, but the number of individual parts increases and the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp combines multiple functions (clamping force generation, component positioning, and elastic deformation) into a single integrated structure. The S-shaped configuration integrates the spring element and clamping jaws into one piece, eliminating the need for separate spiral springs and multiple jaws while maintaining the necessary clamping force.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-piece S-shaped clamp serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates clamping force through its elastic deformation, positions building components of varying diameters through its deformable structure, and eliminates the need for separate spring mechanisms. This multi-functional design reduces part count while maintaining effectiveness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-size clamp openings are used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different component diameters is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp openings are designed to be dynamically adjustable through elastic deformation of the S-shaped clamp structure. The clamp can deform to accommodate building components of different diameters, transforming from a static structure to a dynamic one that adapts to varying component sizes while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp structure utilizes elastic deformation to change its geometric parameters (opening size) in response to different component diameters. This parameter change allows the same clamp structure to accommodate a range of component sizes without requiring multiple fixed-size clamps or complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Force
If separate springs are used in clamp openings, then the clamping force can be provided, but the installation becomes more complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is merged into the clamp structure itself through the S-shaped configuration. This integration eliminates the need for separate spring components and their associated installation procedures, simplifying both manufacturing and installation while maintaining the necessary clamping force through the elastic properties of the S-shaped structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple differently dimensioned fastening devices are used to accommodate various building components, then the adaptability increases, but the number of parts and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The S-shaped clamp design creates a universal fastening device that can accommodate building components of various diameters through its elastic deformation capability. This single universal clamp replaces the need for multiple differently dimensioned fastening devices, reducing the quantity of parts required while maintaining adaptability across different component sizes.
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 reduces the number of parts required, enhances adaptability to different component sizes, simplifies installation, and eliminates the need for separate springs, enabling efficient positioning of a wide range of components with a single device.
Implementation Method 1
the inventive construction permits greater flexibility with respect to the building components, which are to be accommodated in the clamp opening and the diameter of which may vary within a larger range
Implementation Method 2
conical engagements to prevent rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping device for positioning longitudinal fixation elements includes (a) a first clamp having a substantially S-shape and including three clamping arms defining first and second clamp openings for receiving longitudinal fixation elements therein, the first and second clamping openings extending along channel axes corresponding to longitudinal axes of the longitudinal fixation elements to be received therein and being open to an exterior of the clamp body via insertion slots through which the longitudinal bone fixation elements are insertable into the first and second clamp openings laterally relative to the channel axes; (b) a second clamp including first and second clamping arms defining a third clamp opening therebetween for receiving a longitudinal fixation element; (c) a first borehole extending through the three arms of the first clamp and the first and second arms of the second clamp along a first axis; (d) a shaft extending through the first borehole; and (e) a locking member engagable with the shaft to lock the locking elements within the first and second clamps and prevent rotation of the first and second clamps relative to one another about the first axis.