Single-Bolt Wedge Clamp Assembly for I-Beam Panel Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp assemblies for securing trailer fairings to cargo trailers are labor-intensive, require multiple bolts, and compromise the integrity of I-beams, leading to increased installation time and costs, especially when retrofitting or replacing panels.
Innovation Solution
A clamp assembly featuring a pair of inverted 'L' side blocks and a 'T' clamping block with sloping wedge surfaces, secured to I-beams using a single bolt, allowing for rapid installation without drilling or welding, and accommodating I-beams of varying sizes and depths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional clamp assemblies use multiple bolts to secure panels to I-beams, then the securement strength is improved, but the installation time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple clamping functions into a single integrated clamp assembly that uses one bolt to achieve both secure attachment to the I-beam and panel retention. The clamp assembly integrates the mounting block, clamping block, and panel retention features into a unified structure that replaces traditional multi-bolt configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly incorporates movable or adjustable components that allow dynamic adaptation during installation. The clamp can be positioned and adjusted along the I-beam before final tightening, enabling rapid installation without precise pre-drilling while maintaining securement strength.
2Strength
If drilling or welding is used to attach clamp assemblies to I-beams, then the attachment strength is improved, but the integrity of the I-beams is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful drilling or welding operations from the attachment process. The clamp assembly uses a mechanical clamping mechanism that attaches to the I-beam through friction and geometric interlocking without penetrating or thermally affecting the beam, thereby preserving I-beam integrity while maintaining attachment strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly acts as an intermediary between the panel and I-beam, providing a secure connection without direct permanent attachment to the I-beam. The mounting block and clamping block create a reversible mechanical connection that achieves sufficient attachment strength through distributed contact pressure rather than localized drilling or welding.
3Reliability
If traditional clamp assemblies require multiple components, then the securement reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components into a single integrated clamp assembly. The mounting block, clamping block, and retention features are combined into one unit that attaches to the I-beam and secures the panel simultaneously, reducing the total component count while maintaining securement reliability through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: attaching to the I-beam, securing the panel, and allowing for adjustment and replacement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized components while maintaining reliable securement through a single versatile device.
4Ease of repair
If panel replacement is performed on traditional clamp assemblies, then the repair function is achieved, but significant work on adjacent clamps and panels is required
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is designed as a segmented, modular unit that can be independently removed and replaced. The single-bolt attachment allows the entire clamp assembly to be detached as one unit, enabling panel replacement without affecting adjacent clamps or requiring complex disassembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly is pre-configured with all necessary components and adjustment mechanisms during manufacturing, allowing for rapid field replacement. The standardized single-bolt attachment and modular design enable technicians to perform panel replacements quickly without needing to perform preliminary work on adjacent components.
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 assembly significantly reduces installation time and labor costs, improves aerodynamic properties of cargo trailers, and allows for easy replacement of panels, while maintaining the integrity of the I-beams, resulting in potential fuel savings of up to 6.5% for road tractors.
Implementation Method 1
Each having an inclined wedge surface extending downwardly and outwardly from its intersection with the lower clamping surface to its intersection with the bottom surface; a single clamping block generally in the shape of a 'T'... and having a pair of sloping wedge surfaces along the sides of the leg of the 'T'. Each of which slopes downwardly and inwardly... a tightening action of said bolt... will cause a sliding and wedging action of the sloping wedge surfaces of the clamping block relative to and in opposition to said inclined wedge surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp assembly is provided for securing a panel or fairing to an I-beam, and comprises a pair of side blocks and a clamping block, together with a single bolt to secure them in place. Each of the side blocks as an inclined wedge surface, and the T-shaped clamping block has similarly sloped wedge surfaces along the sides of the leg of the T. When a bolt this passed through side legs of the side blocks, and through or under the clamping block, a sliding and wedging action between the inclined and sloped wedge surfaces occurs. Moreover, a clamping action between the top surface of the clamping block and the lower surface of the lower flanges of the I-beam is also induced.