Scaffolding Clamp Assembly With Pin-Wedge Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scaffolding clamps are expensive, time-consuming to deploy, and require specific tools, making them inefficient for assembly and disassembly, especially in situations where only readily available tools are available.
Innovation Solution
A clamp assembly comprising a first and second clamp member, a pin, and a wedge, where the first clamp member has a C-shaped jaw with a flange and pin supports, and the second clamp member has a connector and tab, allowing for easy coupling and decoupling of scaffolding pipes without specialized tools, using a pin to pivotally connect the members and a wedge to lock them in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional clamps with two pairs of jaws, swivel arrangements, latches, and nut-bolt systems are used, then the scaffolding connection strength is improved, but the deployment time and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into two separate members: a stationary member with a C-shaped jaw and a movable member with an engagement member. This segmentation allows the movable member to be independently manipulated and secured, simplifying the deployment process while maintaining connection strength through the pin-and-wedge mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex latch and nut-bolt systems are extracted and replaced with a simpler pin-and-wedge mechanism. The wedge, when inserted, directly locks the movable member against the stationary member, eliminating the need for multiple retaining components and reducing deployment time.
2Reliability
If traditional clamps with multiple retaining mechanisms (latch or nut-bolt) are used, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in manipulating the retaining mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge serves a dual function: it automatically locks the movable member in place when inserted, and it can be easily removed by hand to release the clamp. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manipulation of latches or nut-bolt systems, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability through the secure wedge lock.
3Strength
If traditional expensive clamps with complex mechanisms are used, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp uses simple, easily manufactured components made from common materials like steel or aluminum. The C-shaped jaw, engagement member, pin, and wedge are all basic structural elements that can be produced through standard manufacturing processes, significantly reducing manufacturing costs compared to complex traditional clamp designs while maintaining adequate connection strength for scaffolding applications.
4Reliability
If traditional clamps requiring specialized tools are used, then the connection reliability is improved, but the adaptability to job site conditions deteriorates when only readily available tools are present
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed to be deployed using only a hammer and common fasteners (pin and wedge), making it universally applicable to any job site regardless of available specialized tools. The C-shaped jaw can accommodate various pipe diameters, and the engagement member provides a universal interface for the pin-wedge locking mechanism, ensuring the clamp can be reliably installed and adjusted using only readily available tools.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective assembly and disassembly of scaffolding without specialized tools, reducing deployment time and enhancing usability by allowing easy opening and locking of the clamp members using a wedge, thereby improving the overall efficiency of scaffolding setup and teardown processes.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge can be inserted through the portion of the elongate slot in the flange and reside against the tab to lock the first and second clamp members in the closed position
Implementation Method 2
The pin is inserted through the two pin receiving bores and the central orifice to pivotally couple together the first clamp member and the second clamp member
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp assembly adapted for efficient assembly and disassembly of scaffolding includes a pair of rotating clamp members and a wedge employed to temporarily hold the two clamp members in a closed position about a scaffolding support.