Spring Clamp Assembly for Rounded Bars of Varying Diameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp systems struggle to securely mount objects to rounded bars or pipes of varying diameters without requiring disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A clamp system comprising a holder, boss pieces with angled slits, and a C-shaped spring clamp with adjustable teeth, allowing for secure mounting on rounded bars of different diameters by sliding over and tightening without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size clamp is used, then the clamp structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate rounded bars of different diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp employs a spring-loaded C-shaped body that can dynamically expand and contract to accommodate different bar diameters. The spring mechanism allows the clamp to adapt its size automatically, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that responds to varying installation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp's effective diameter is changed by adjusting the spring compression level. When installing on different bar diameters, the spring can be compressed to different degrees, allowing the same clamp structure to achieve different effective sizes without modifying the physical dimensions of the clamp itself.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional clamp is used on a rounded bar with objects already mounted, then the clamp cannot be fitted, but removing objects is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The C-shaped clamp body is designed to slide over the rounded bar first, then the boss pieces are inserted into the clamp's receiving spaces. This nested assembly approach allows the clamp to be installed even when objects are already mounted on the bar, as the components can be fitted in a sequence that accommodates existing installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-compressed to store elastic energy before installation. This preliminary action allows the clamp to be slipped over the bar and positioned around existing objects, after which the spring's stored energy automatically provides the clamping force, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms during installation.
3Reliability
If the clamp is tightened to secure objects, then the mounting is secure, but the clamp cannot be removed or adjusted easily
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded mechanism provides dynamic clamping force that can be easily adjusted by compressing or releasing the spring. To remove or adjust the clamp, one simply needs to compress the spring further to release the clamping force, allowing easy removal without tools or complex procedures while maintaining secure mounting during normal use.
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 system provides a versatile and secure mounting solution for objects on rounded bars of almost any diameter, ensuring a tight grip without needing to remove the bar or object.
Implementation Method 1
a C-shaped spring clamp. The spring clamp has opposite first and second ends, with each end of the C-shaped spring clamp having a plurality of teeth
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp system has a holder, first and second boss pieces and a C-shaped spring clamp. The holder has a rear body with a curved rear surface, and flat outer surfaces extending from the opposite ends of the curved rear surface. Each boss piece has a flat inner surface, and an outer edge with an angled slit that defines an inward grip edge, with the flat inner surfaces of each boss piece clamping against one of the two flat outer surfaces of the rear body. The C-shaped spring clamp has opposite first and second ends, with each end of the C-shaped spring clamp having a plurality of teeth. One tooth from each set of plurality of teeth together define one set of engaging teeth which engage the corresponding angled slits from the first and second boss pieces.