Speed Strut Clamp With Movable Block And Quick Nut
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional strut channel clamps are rigidly fixed and limited in their positioning, incompatible with smaller cross-section structural members, and require permanent attachment, restricting their versatility and adaptability in applications.
Innovation Solution
A clamp design with flexible positioning of compression and anvil jaws along structural members, using standard strut channel accessories like angle brackets and splice plates, allowing adjustment and use with smaller cross-sections without permanent attachment, and incorporating a quick nut mechanism for easy adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional clamps are rigidly fixed to structural members, then the clamp provides stable clamping force, but the clamp loses positioning flexibility and cannot be easily repositioned
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp block is designed to be movable along the structural member rather than rigidly fixed. A set screw mechanism allows the clamp block to be positioned at different locations and locked in place, providing both positioning flexibility and operational stability when engaged
2Adaptability or versatility
If clamps are permanently attached to structural members, then the clamp structure is stable, but the structural member cannot be easily used in other applications
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into separate components: a clamp block that moves along the structural member and a set screw that provides the fastening mechanism. This segmentation allows the clamp to be easily removed and repositioned without permanent attachment, while still providing sufficient clamping force when engaged
3Manufacturing precision
If clamp blocks are complex and require advanced manufacturing, then the clamp can be precisely positioned, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp block is designed with a simple geometric form that can be easily manufactured. The positioning precision is achieved through the linear movement along the structural member and the set screw mechanism, rather than through complex clamp block geometry
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
Enables versatile and cost-effective clamping solutions compatible with various strut channels, allowing for flexible positioning and easy assembly of complex workpieces, reducing the need for custom tools and increasing the utility of strut channel systems.
Implementation Method 1
The shaft can be a threaded shaft and the passage can be a threaded passage, so that the shaft can be advanced and retracted through the threaded passage by rotation and counter-rotation of the threaded shaft, respectively
Implementation Method 2
The shaft is engaged with the passage by a ratchet or pawl mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A strut channel clamp includes a block that can be positioned anywhere along the length of the strut channel. In embodiments, the stop can be repositioned to any of a plurality of locations along the channel. In certain embodiments, the stop and block can be placed on different surfaces of the strut channel. In some embodiments, a threaded shaft engaged with the block imparts force against the stop, and in some of these embodiments the shaft can be disengaged quickly from the block and repositioned longitudinally without rotation thereof. In various embodiments, the stop and/or block are constructed partly or entirely from common, off-the-shelf strut channel accessories. In embodiments, the block is rotatable.