Split Shaft Clamp Structure for Flush Mounting on Cylindrical Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shaft clamps with collar designs cannot attach to cylindrical objects while being flush with a flat surface, limiting their versatility and space efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The development of adjustable clamps with a unique structure that allows them to constrict and expand without deforming, enabling them to attach to cylindrical objects while maintaining a coplanar surface against a flat surface.
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 a cylindrical object, but the clamp cannot be flush with a flat surface
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp body is divided into two separable halves that can be assembled around a cylindrical object. This segmentation allows the clamp to adapt to cylindrical shapes while the outer collar interface remains flat against the mounting surface, resolving the contradiction between cylindrical attachment and flush surface capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp design features a nested structure where the adjustable clamp mechanism is contained within the outer collar structure. The inner clamp components can constrict and expand independently while the outer collar maintains a flat mounting surface, enabling both cylindrical object attachment and flush surface mounting simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the clamp is designed to attach to cylindrical objects, then it provides versatility in applications, but it takes up space and cannot be coplanar against a flat surface
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp design transitions the cylindrical attachment function to a different dimensional plane by using a split-body configuration that constrains the cylindrical object radially while maintaining minimal axial profile. This allows the clamp to attach to cylindrical objects without protruding significantly from the mounting surface, reducing the volume occupied in the axial direction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the clamp structure is made adjustable to fit different cylindrical objects, then versatility is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates flexible elements and thin-walled structures that can elastically deform to accommodate different cylindrical object diameters. This flexibility provides adjustable sizing capability without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, thereby maintaining structural simplicity while achieving versatility.
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 adjustable clamps can securely attach to a wide range of cylindrical objects, providing versatility in applications such as hooks, mounting brackets, and dividers, while ensuring a flush surface when attached.
Implementation Method 1
a recess formed in the curved body, that divides the curved body into a first portion and a second portion
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the adjustable clamps having a curved body having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first side section, a middle section, a recess, and a bore to receive a fastener to compress, or expand the adjustable clamps are presented herein. Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed herein.