Scaffolding Clamp Assembly With Wedge Locking for Tool-Free Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scaffolding clamps are expensive, time-consuming to deploy, and require specific tools, lacking ease of assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A clamp assembly comprising a first and second clamp member, a pin, and a wedge, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without specialized tools, using a pin to pivotally couple the members and a wedge to lock them in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional clamps with latches or nut and bolt arrangements are used, then the jaws can be temporarily retained in the closed position, but manipulating the latch is difficult and deploying the nut and bolt is time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex latch and nut-bolt mechanisms from the clamp assembly and replaces them with a simple wedge insertion system. The wedge, when inserted into the slot, directly forces the clamp members into the closed position without requiring any additional retaining mechanisms, thereby eliminating the operational complexity while maintaining reliable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge mechanism enables the clamp to be self-retaining once closed. The geometry of the wedge and slot creates a self-locking effect where the clamp members remain securely closed without requiring external latches or fasteners, allowing the system to maintain its closed state through its own structural design.
2Reliability
If traditional clamps are used, then the jaws can be retained in the closed position, but such clamps are relatively expensive and time consuming to use
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: clamp members, a pin for pivotal coupling, and a separate wedge for locking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing the overall time required for assembly and deployment while maintaining reliable jaw retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp members are designed with pre-positioned slots and pivot points that prepare the structure for rapid wedge insertion. The pin is pre-installed to enable pivotal movement, and the slot geometry is pre-configured to guide the wedge, allowing the operator to quickly secure the clamp in the closed position without time-consuming adjustments.
3Reliability
If traditional clamps with multiple retaining mechanisms are used, then the jaws can be temporarily retained, but such clamps require specific tools and are not easily decoupled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all complex retaining mechanisms (latches, nuts, bolts) and replaces them with a single wedge insertion system. The wedge simply needs to be inserted into the slot to achieve retention, and its removal automatically allows the clamp members to open, enabling easy decoupling and reconfiguring without specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex mechanisms to actively lock the jaws in place, the design inverts the approach by using a simple wedge to passively maintain the closed position through geometric constraint. The retention is achieved by the presence of the wedge rather than by active locking components, making the system both simpler to operate and easier to decouple.
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, tool-free assembly and disassembly of scaffolding components, reducing costs and time, while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a first wedge adapted to be inserted into the first slot portion to hold the second clamp member in the closed position
Implementation Method 2
a pin and a wedge. The first clamp member comprises a first c-shaped jaw... The second clamp member comprises a connector, an engagement member, a tab, and an arm... 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
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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.