Securing Element for Clamp Lock Points Positioning System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing point setting systems face challenges in maintaining operational reliability under high mechanical stress and long-term use, particularly due to the risk of contamination and components coming loose, which compromises safety and adjustability.
Innovation Solution
A securing element for the tongue block of a clamp closure, comprising an upper covering area, side cover portion, and two securing areas, prevents unintentional loosening of critical components like the latch fastening screw and locking clip bolt, and is designed to be produced from spring steel for enhanced strength and elasticity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If adjustment components are made easily accessible for checking and readjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of contamination and components coming loose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is divided into multiple functional areas: an upper covering area that protects the tongue fastening screw, side cover portions that protect bolt connections, and securing areas that prevent loosening. This segmentation allows different parts of the clamp closure to be protected independently while maintaining overall accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element is integrated into the existing clamp closure structure, nesting the safety function within the operational components. The securing element with its multiple covering and securing areas is positioned to protect critical components without adding external complexity, allowing adjustment components to remain accessible while being protected.
2Reliability
If multiple separate safety elements are used to secure different components, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple safety functions are merged into a single integrated securing element. The upper covering area, side cover portions, and multiple securing areas are combined in one component that simultaneously protects the tongue fastening screw and multiple bolt connections, reducing the total number of safety elements needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element performs multiple functions: it covers and protects the tongue fastening screw from above, protects bolt connections from the side, and provides securing areas that prevent loosening of multiple fasteners. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate safety elements for each protective function.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple stamped sheet metal security element is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but protection against high mechanical stress may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The physical parameters of the sheet metal are optimized to achieve the required strength. The securing element is designed with specific thickness, bending radii, and geometric configurations that enable it to resist high mechanical stresses while remaining manufacturable from stamped sheet metal. The spring steel material properties are utilized to provide elasticity and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element is made from spring steel, which combines high hardness, strength, and elasticity in a single material. This composite-like material selection allows the stamped metal component to withstand high mechanical stresses while maintaining the ease of manufacture associated with sheet metal fabrication.
Data Source
AI summary
The element has an upper cover region comprising a securing portion for securing against unscrewing of a tongue attachment screw between a position tongue and a pin joint (10). A lateral cover region is integrally formed with and arranged vertical to the upper cover region. Two securing areas are integrally formed with the lateral cover region, aligned vertical to the cover regions and spaced from the upper cover region. Each securing area secures an eccentric cam region (24) and a fastening nut (28) for fastening of a retaining clamp (18) at the pin joint against unintended removal.