Elongated Scaffold Clamp with Pin and Wedge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing fabric shrouds to scaffolding are ineffective for heavy materials, difficult to remove without damaging the shroud, and cause damage due to unrounded metal edges.
Innovation Solution
An elongate clamp with adjustable pin and wedge mechanism that allows for wide opening to accommodate heavy materials, features a resilient compressive layer and rounded corners to protect the shroud, and a reversible design for easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a specialized fabric shrouding with ports is used to be connected on scaffolding posts, then the shrouding can be secured to the scaffolding, but the system requires both specialized shrouding and customized scaffolding, reducing adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed to be universally applicable to various scaffolding configurations without requiring specialized scaffolding components. The clamp can accommodate different tube diameters and configurations through its adjustable jaw mechanism, making it a multi-functional securing device that works with standard scaffolding systems rather than requiring customized infrastructure
2Manufacturing precision
If the clamp opening is made small for precise securement, then the securement is precise, but the clamp cannot accommodate shrouding made of heavy materials
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates an adjustable jaw mechanism that allows the opening size to be dynamically changed. The jaws can be positioned to provide a wide opening for inserting heavy shrouding materials, then closed to provide precise securement. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same clamp to accommodate both heavy materials and provide precise securing
3Strength
If the clamp edges are left as sharp metal edges for structural integrity, then the clamp is strong, but the unrounded edges lead to damage of the shroud material
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp applies the principle of local quality by providing rounded edges only at the specific locations where the shroud material contacts the clamp jaws, while maintaining the overall structural strength of the clamp body. The rounded edges are localized to the gripping surfaces, allowing the clamp to be strong structurally while protecting the shroud material from damage at the contact points
4Device complexity
If the clamp is designed with fixed jaw positioning for simple structure, then the device complexity is low, but it is difficult to remove the clamp without damaging the shroud material
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp uses a dynamic jaw positioning mechanism that allows the jaws to be moved between secured and released positions. This dynamic capability enables easy removal of the clamp by simply opening the jaws, without requiring complex disassembly or damaging the shroud material, while maintaining relatively simple overall structure
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 clamp effectively secures heavy fabric shrouds to scaffolding without damaging them, providing a flexible and durable solution for wind and weather protection.
Implementation Method 1
The clamp can comprise a resilient compressive layer lining each jaw and defining an interior surface of each jaw
Implementation Method 2
The jaw members can be adjustably pin-secured in an open or closed condition by a pin and wedge combination. The wedges of the one pin and two wedge combination can be moveable from a released position, where the jaws can be separated to increase the opening on the one side for receiving a scaffold support member, to a closed position, where at least one wedge and the pin draws the jaws towards one another to effect gripping about a scaffold support member between the jaws
Data Source
AI summary
An elongated clamp for securing a flexible fabric-like shroud to a scaffold support member including two opposed jaws movable between an open and closed position by a one pin and an at-least-one wedge combination. The flexible shroud is held to the support member by the clamp's gripping force. Multiple clamps securable at different points along the various standard support members can provide positive securement of the shroud.