Single-Bolt Shaft Clamp With Flush Flat-Surface Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shaft clamps with collar designs cannot be flush with a flat surface when attached to cylindrical objects, leading to space inefficiency and reduced versatility.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable clamp design featuring flanges and a middle section with a recess that can constrict or expand without deforming, allowing it to attach to cylindrical objects and create a coplanar surface with a flat surface, using fasteners to secure the clamp.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a collar design is used for the shaft clamp, then the clamp can attach to cylindrical objects, but the clamp cannot be flush with a flat surface
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into distinct functional segments: a collar portion for cylindrical attachment and a flange portion for flat surface mounting. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specialized function independently, resolving the contradiction between cylindrical attachment capability and coplanarity with flat surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a single-dimensional collar to a multi-dimensional structure incorporating flanges that extend perpendicular to the collar axis. This dimensional expansion enables the clamp to simultaneously engage with both cylindrical objects and flat surfaces in different spatial orientations.
2Ease of operation
If a collar design is used for the shaft clamp, then the clamp can attach to cylindrical objects, but it takes up excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the clamp into a compact collar and integrated flanges, the design eliminates the need for separate mounting components. This segmentation achieves space efficiency by consolidating multiple functions into a single compact unit that attaches to cylindrical objects while maintaining a low profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar and flange structures are merged into a single integrated component rather than separate parts. This merging reduces the overall volume and eliminates gaps between components, allowing the clamp to occupy minimal space while maintaining both cylindrical attachment and flat surface mounting capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If a collar design is used for the shaft clamp, then the clamp can attach to cylindrical objects, but the versatility of the clamp is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp design incorporates multiple functional elements within a single structure: the collar provides cylindrical attachment, while the flanges enable flat surface mounting and various mounting orientations. This multi-functionality allows the same clamp to serve multiple purposes including hooks, attachment mounts, and dividers, significantly enhancing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp design allows for dynamic adjustment of mounting orientation and configuration through its flange structure. The ability to mount in different orientations and configurations provides adaptability to various application scenarios, transforming a static single-purpose component into a dynamic multi-purpose tool.
Data Source
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AI summary
Adjustable clamp (300) having a clamp body having a front surface (312), a back surface (316), an inner surface (304), an outer surface (308), a first half (320) and a second half (324), a recess (336), an aperture (332), a slit (340) and a bore (344) to receive a fastener to compress, or expand the adjustable clamp. The clamp body is generally A-frame shaped.