Spring-Biased Roller Clamp for Versatile Material Gripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp assemblies are either simple and lacking in gripping power or complex and expensive, limiting their versatility in gripping various materials and locations.
Innovation Solution
A clamp assembly with a U-shaped housing and a gripping assembly featuring a roller mechanism and spring biasing system, allowing for secure gripping of materials of different shapes and sizes, constructed from durable materials like metals and polymers, and capable of being attached to various structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple clamp assemblies are used, then construction complexity is reduced, but gripping power is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly incorporates a spring mechanism that provides dynamic, adjustable clamping force. The spring can be compressed to increase gripping power while maintaining a simple overall structure, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for adjustment of clamping force parameters through the spring mechanism, enabling the same simple structure to adapt to different gripping power requirements by changing the compression level rather than redesigning the entire assembly.
2Force
If complex clamp assemblies are used, then gripping power is improved, but construction cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is divided into simple functional segments: a housing, a spring mechanism, and a gripping element. Each segment performs a specific function, achieving complex gripping capabilities through simple, modular components rather than a monolithic complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically adjusts and maintains clamping force without requiring complex control systems. The elastic potential energy stored in the spring self-regulates the gripping force, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, or complex actuators.
3Reliability
If specialized clamp assemblies are used, then gripping effectiveness for specific materials is improved, but adaptability to various materials and locations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly features a universal design with a U-shaped housing and adjustable spring pressure that can accommodate various materials including fabric, plastic, and rigid substrates. The same basic structure can be applied at different locations on vehicles or equipment, making it multi-functional and highly adaptable.
Solution Approach 2:
By adjusting the spring compression and gripping element positioning, the same clamp assembly can adapt to different material types and locations, changing its operational parameters rather than requiring different specialized designs for each application.
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 provides effective and versatile material gripping with adjustable clamping force, suitable for a range of materials and locations, while maintaining simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a spring disposed within the housing and connected to the gripping assembly so as to bias the gripping assembly in the gripping position
Implementation Method 2
a roller connected to the gripping assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp assembly selectively grips material. The clamp assembly includes a housing, a gripping assembly and means for connecting the clamp assembly to an object. The housing has a first end, a second end, a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions cooperate to define a material receiving slot. The first portion of the housing has an angular disposed channel and an angular disposed recessed portion. The second portion of the housing has a gripping surface. The gripping assembly is slidably disposed within the channel such that the recessed portion cooperates with the channel to define a travel path so that the gripping assembly can be selectively movable between a biased first position and a second position. In the biased first position, the gripping assembly extends into the material receiving slot. In the second position the gripping assembly is withdrawn from the material receiving slot.