Scaffolding Tube Clamp With Ramped Bolt Locking Against Loosening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scaffolding tube clamps suffer from premature wear, susceptibility to rusting, and loosening under vibrational forces, which poses safety concerns in construction and other applications.
Innovation Solution
A scaffolding tube clamp design featuring hinged body portions with rotatable bolts having different thread pitches and ramped surfaces that securely engage and disengage with minimal rotation, providing a robust and vibration-resistant locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional nut and bolt or wedge clamps are used to join scaffolding tubes, then the scaffolding structure can be assembled, but the clamps suffer from premature wear, rusting, and loosening under vibrational forces
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp body portions are formed from high-density polyethylene or similar polymers, creating a composite material solution that combines structural strength with corrosion resistance. This polymer construction eliminates the rusting issues of traditional metal clamps while providing adequate mechanical strength for scaffolding applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional threaded fastening systems with a cam-actuated mechanical locking system. The cam mechanism converts rotational motion into linear clamping force, eliminating threaded connections that are susceptible to loosening under vibration. The cam lock provides a positive mechanical engagement that maintains clamp integrity throughout the service life.
2Ease of operation
If traditional clamps are used, then scaffolding tubes can be joined, but the clamps require significant rotation and adjustment to achieve proper clamping
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism operates through periodic rotational action to achieve clamping. A limited rotation of the cam (typically less than one full turn) cycles the clamping members into their engaged position, providing rapid assembly. The periodic cam rotation converts simple rotational input into the complex motion required for proper clamping engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp incorporates dynamic elements including the rotating cam that transforms rotational motion into linear clamping force, and flexible clamping members that adapt to tube diameter variations. The hinged connection allows the clamping members to dynamically adjust their position while maintaining engagement with the tube surface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-diameter clamps are used, then specific tube sizes can be secured, but the clamps cannot accommodate tubes of varying diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp employs dynamic hinged connections that allow the clamping members to pivot and adapt to different tube diameters. The hinges enable the clamping members to maintain proper engagement geometry regardless of the specific tube size, providing versatility without requiring multiple clamp types or complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp design achieves multi-functionality by incorporating adjustable features that allow a single clamp type to secure tubes of varying diameters. The combination of hinged connections and cam-actuated adjustment enables the same clamp to effectively clamp different tube sizes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized clamp variants.
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 scaffolding tubes with minimal rotation, reducing the likelihood of loosening and wear, while accommodating tubes of varying diameters through adaptable designs, ensuring safety and durability.
Implementation Method 1
each base and top having a first end hingedly connected to one another to permit the base and top to be rotatably received about the exterior surface of a scaffolding tube
Implementation Method 2
the shaft having a first threaded portion with a first thread located adjacent to the head, the shaft having a second threaded portion with a second thread at a lower end of the bold, the first hole having threads complimentary to the first thread and the second hole having threads complimentary to the second thread, the first and second threads having different pitches
Implementation Method 3
rotation of the bolt in a first direction connects the second ends of the top and base and moves the second ends closer to one another in a clamping arrangement about a scaffolding tube received therebetween
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A scaffolding tube clamp having a pair of body portions defining a top and a base that are hinged together and receivable about a scaffolding tube. A rotatable bolt is received through a hole in the top a hole in the base portion. The bolt has a lower end with engagement means to releasably secure the bolt to the base. The bolt's head has a lower surface that is engageable with a surface on the top. The lower surface of the head, and the surface of the top that is engaged thereby, have complimentary ramped configurations such that when the bolt is rotated the ramps engage, resulting in the ramps moving the top toward the base. In an alternate embodiment the bolt is threaded with two sets of threads that have different diameters and different pitches and that are threadably received within the holes in the top and bottom.