Snowmobile Ski Clamp With Cam-Actuated Ground-Level Securing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing snowmobile skis to vehicle or trailer beds are inefficient, requiring multiple ratchet straps and significant time, and fail to prevent lateral sliding due to hard bed surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A clamp with a main body, hook, and actuating mechanism that allows for secure attachment and adjustment from the ground, applying downward force to frictionally secure the skis, featuring adjustable clamping and unclamping positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple ratchet straps are used to secure the snowmobile to the bed, then the snowmobile is retained in place, but the time and effort required for securing increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple securing functions into a single clamp device that simultaneously secures both skis to the bed. The clamp integrates the anchoring mechanism (hook engaging the loop), the clamping mechanism (camming surface applying downward force), and the actuating mechanism into one unified device, replacing the need for multiple separate ratchet straps
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp serves multiple functions: it anchors to the bed via the hook-loop engagement, clamps down on the skis using the camming surface, and provides lateral guidance through the guides. This multi-functional design consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate securing devices into a single unit
2Reliability
If the clamp applies downward force through the camming surface to secure the skis, then the skis are frictionally secured to the bed, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The camming surface is pre-configured in the clamp body to automatically generate downward force on the skis as the actuating mechanism is operated. This preliminary mechanical advantage is built into the clamp's structure, so the downward force is applied automatically during the normal actuating sequence without requiring additional complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The camming surface uses a curved or inclined surface geometry to convert the horizontal movement of the actuating mechanism into vertical downward force on the skis. This curved surface design efficiently transforms the actuating motion into the required clamping force through mechanical geometry rather than complex linkages
3Ease of operation
If the actuating mechanism is positioned at the end of the main body for ground-level operation, then the user can operate the clamp from the ground, but the mechanism requires longer actuation stroke
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating mechanism uses a pivotally attached plate that rotates in an arc rather than moving in a straight line. This rotational movement around a pivot point allows the actuating handle to be positioned away from the clamp body at ground level while the actual hook engagement occurs close to the ski, effectively using rotational dimension to resolve the spatial conflict
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
Facilitates quick and secure attachment of snowmobile skis to vehicle/trailer beds, preventing lateral sliding and reducing the need for multiple straps, enhancing loading and unloading efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one moveable plate within the main body having a camming surface engaged with the hook
Implementation Method 2
The actuating mechanism is configured to position the clamp into an unclamped position wherein the hook is disengaged from the loop attached to the bed and a clamped position where the hook engages the loop and is configured to apply a downward force on the skis by moving the at least one actuator plate within the main body to raise the hook through engagement with the camming surface
Implementation Method 3
at least one plate pivotally attached to the main body at a first pivotal attachment, wherein the hook is attached to the at least one plate at an attachment location a distance from the first pivotal attachment
Implementation Method 4
The actuating mechanism configured to pivot about the first pivotal attachment to position the clamp into an unclamped position wherein the hook is disengaged from the loop attached to the bed and to pivot about the first pivotal attachment to position the clamp into a clamped position where the hook engages the loop
Implementation Method 5
As the carbides of the skis engage the hard surface of the bed, the skis can slide laterally to the direction of travel... the clamp applies a downward pressure onto a pair of skis of a snowmobile such that the skis are frictionally secured to the bed of the vehicle or trailer
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp for securing a pair of snowmobile skis to a bed having an attached loop includes a main body comprising spaced apart plates configured to provide rigidity to the clamp and a hook. The clamp includes at least one moveable plate within the main body having a camming surface engaged with the hook, and an actuating mechanism proximate an end of the main body. The actuating mechanism is configured to position the clamp into an unclamped position wherein the hook is disengaged from the loop attached to the bed and a clamped position where the hook engages the loop and is configured to apply a downward force on the skis by moving the at least one actuator plate within the main body to raise the hook through engagement with the camming surface.