Stretch-Mount Clamp Assembly With Adjustable Tension Interlocks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting clamp assemblies lack the ability to provide adjustable tension and are not easily shortenable or reusable, which limits their versatility in securing elongated objects.
Innovation Solution
The stretch-mount clamp assembly incorporates a tension device made of elastic material, which connects the inner sides of the connectors and includes overmolded portions to form mechanical interlocks, allowing for adjustable tension and length adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mounting clamp assemblies are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the tension is fixed and cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly incorporates an elastic tension device that can dynamically adjust its length and tension force. The elastic material allows the clamp to stretch and contract, providing adjustable tension to accommodate different bundle diameters and securing forces requirements, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly combines different materials with complementary properties: non-elastic connector materials (metal or rigid plastic) provide structural stability and mounting capability, while elastic material in the tension device provides adjustability and tension control. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mounting clamp assemblies are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the clamps cannot be easily shortened or reused
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic tension device enables the clamp to be compressed and shortened after initial deployment. The material's elasticity allows it to be pushed back toward its origin, enabling the clamp to be shortened and reused multiple times, transforming a single-use component into a reusable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows the clamp to be recovered and reused rather than discarded. The elastic tension device can be compressed back to its original state, enabling the same clamp assembly to be removed, repositioned, and reused on different bundles, reducing waste and manufacturing requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the clamp is designed to be adjustable and reusable, then versatility improves, but the mechanical connection strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The combination of non-elastic connector materials and elastic tension material creates a composite system where each material performs its optimal function. The non-elastic connectors maintain strong mechanical interlocks and structural integrity, while the elastic material provides adjustability without compromising the overall connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: rigid connectors for strong mechanical attachment and elastic tension devices for adjustable force application. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its performance for its specific function while working together as an integrated system.
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
This design enables the stretch-mount clamp assembly to provide adjustable tension, be shortenable, and lock onto elongated objects, making it reusable and adaptable to various bundle diameters.
Implementation Method 1
a tension device including an elastic material, the tension device connecting the inner side of the first connector to the inner side of the second connector
Implementation Method 2
the tension device including a first overmold portion that is overmolded onto at least a portion of the first retainer to form a first mechanical interlock and a second overmold portion that is overmolded onto at least a portion of the second retainer to form a second mechanical interlock
Data Source
AI summary
A stretch-mount clamp assembly may include a first connector of a first non-elastic material, a second connector of a second non-elastic material, and a tension device that includes an elastic material. The first connector having an inner side opposite an outer side, the first connector including a first retainer extending from the inner side of the first connector. The second connector having an inner side opposite an outer side, the second connector including a second retainer extending from the inner side of the second connector. The tension device connects the inner sides of the first connector and the second connector. The tension device includes a first overmold portion that is overmolded onto at least a portion of the first retainer to form a first mechanical interlock and a second overmold portion that is overmolded onto at least a portion of the second retainer to form a second mechanical interlock.