Self-Tightening Cable Clamp With Tool-Free Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamps for safety lines require tools to tighten and loosen, which can lead to over-tightening, increased maintenance costs, and safety risks, especially in challenging environments like raised worksites.
Innovation Solution
A clamp with a manually adjustable handle that allows for tool-free operation between unlocked and locked states, featuring a jamming member that self-tightens under load, and visual indicators to confirm the clamp's state, reducing the need for torque checks and preventing over-tightening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tool is used to drive the wedge into the clamping position, then the cable can be clamped securely, but the operation becomes complex and requires additional tools
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed to be self-installing without requiring external tools. The spring-loaded jaw automatically engages with the cable when the clamp body is positioned, eliminating the need for hammers, spanners, or other installation tools while maintaining secure clamping.
Solution Approach 2:
A spring-loaded jaw acts as an intermediary mechanism between the clamp body and the cable. The spring provides automatic engagement force, mediating the connection between the user's positioning action and the secure clamping of the cable, thereby simplifying operation while ensuring reliability.
2Reliability
If the cable is clamped as tightly as possible, then the cable will not come loose, but this increases wear and can damage the safety line and clamp
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp employs a spring-loaded jaw that provides dynamic, elastic clamping force rather than rigid static pressure. The spring automatically adjusts to maintain optimal clamping pressure, preventing excessive force that would cause wear or damage while ensuring the cable remains securely retained.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing excess clamping force. The elastic spring elements cushion the interaction between the clamp and cable, preventing harmful peak forces that would increase wear or cause damage, while still maintaining sufficient retention pressure.
3Force
If a wedge clamp is used, then the cable can be clamped under tension, but a tool is required to tighten the clamp
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp generates its own clamping force through the spring-loaded jaw mechanism, eliminating the need for external tools to apply tightening force. The spring automatically provides the necessary clamping force when the clamp body is positioned on the cable, simplifying the overall system while maintaining effective clamping.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism allows the clamping force parameter to be automatically adjusted based on the cable diameter and tension conditions. The spring rate and pre-load can be designed to provide optimal clamping force across different operating conditions, reducing the need for complex adjustment mechanisms or 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
The clamp enhances safety and reduces maintenance costs by allowing easy installation and removal without tools, preventing over-tightening, and providing visual confirmation of the clamp's state, ensuring secure and reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded jaw arranged to engage the cable when the clamp is in the installed position
Implementation Method 2
The friction between the clamp components and cable prevents slippage and maintains clamping pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp for use with a cable or safety includes a receiving member and a jamming member configured to move relative to the receiving member. In use, an end of the safety line is looped around the jamming member. The clamp further may include an actuator, which is adjustable to reconfigure the clamp between: an unlocked state, wherein in the unlocked state the safety line can be moved through the clamp, and a locked state, wherein in the locked state the jamming member is urged into the receiving member. The safety line is thus clamped between the jamming member and at least a portion of the receiving member. The actuator may be a handle and the position of the handle may be manually adjustable. The clamp may include at least one indicator to provide a visual indication of the state of the clamp.