Spring-Loaded Clamping Assembly for Rugged Equipment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Standard commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) electronic equipment is not designed to withstand severe shocks or vibrations in rugged environments, risking damage or ejection from cabinets, which can cause secondary damage or injury.

Innovation Solution

A clamping assembly using faceplates, side rails, and spring assemblies to apply frictional and clamping forces, securing equipment to cabinets and support structures, designed to withstand MIL-STD-810 standard shock and vibration loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If standard COTS equipment is used in rugged environments, then cost and availability are improved, but the equipment is vulnerable to damage from shocks and vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost and availabilityVSAvoidresistance to shock and vibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a cabinet structure, equipment racks, and independent clamping assemblies. Each component can be manufactured and assembled separately, allowing COTS equipment to be integrated into a protective mounting system without requiring specialized ruggedized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping assemblies apply continuous clamping force to equipment before shock or vibration events occur. This pre-applied force secures equipment in place, preventing movement and damage during subsequent shock or vibration exposure in rugged environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If equipment is securely clamped to withstand shocks, then protection is improved, but installation and maintenance complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection during shockVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping assemblies use spring-loaded mechanisms that automatically adjust and maintain clamping force. This dynamic system provides secure protection during shock events while requiring minimal manual intervention for installation and maintenance, as the springs self-regulate the clamping pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded clamping mechanism is self-actuating and maintains its own clamping force without requiring external power or complex adjustment mechanisms. This self-service capability simplifies installation and maintenance while ensuring reliable protection during shock events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If frictional forces are applied to contain equipment during shock, then protection is improved, but the complexity of the clamping mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainment during vibrationVSAvoidclamping mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping assemblies combine multiple protective functions into a single integrated mechanism: mechanical clamping force, frictional containment, and shock resistance are all provided by the same spring-loaded clamp structure. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate mechanisms for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes friction as a controllable parameter to contain equipment during vibration and shock. By designing surfaces with appropriate friction characteristics, the system achieves effective containment without requiring complex mechanical constraints or additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 clamping assembly effectively secures electronic equipment in rugged environments, preventing damage and ejection, while allowing easy installation and maintenance, and can be adapted for various equipment heights and types.

Implementation Method 1

first and second spring assemblies configured to be coupled to the faceplate. The spring assemblies are also configured to pull clamps mounted to the side rails toward the faceplate in order to apply clamping forces to the component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

first and second side rails configured to be coupled to the support structure and to apply frictional forces to the component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10368459B2Equipment clamping assembly using clamps and friction to secure equipment for use in rugged and other environments

Publication Date: 2019.07.30 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

An apparatus includes a clamping assembly configured to receive and secure a component in a support structure. The clamping assembly includes a faceplate configured to be coupled to the support structure. The clamping assembly also includes first and second side rails configured to be coupled to the support structure and to apply frictional forces to the component. The clamping assembly further includes first and second spring assemblies configured to be coupled to the faceplate. The spring assemblies are also configured to pull clamps mounted to the side rails toward the faceplate in order to apply clamping forces to the component.