T-Slot Clamp Mount for Fast Secure Camera Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing T-slot tubing systems face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively attaching specialized mounts, particularly for machine vision cameras, due to the difficulty in mounting and detachment processes, which often require disassembly and reassembly, and existing solutions are either expensive or prone to loosening.
Innovation Solution
A customizable clamp mount that allows direct attachment to preassembled T-slot tubing, featuring a sizing surface for size compatibility and a mounting surface for various mounts, with threaded pins and a through-bolt mechanism for secure clamping, enabling quick installation and adaptability to multiple T-slot sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized mounts are attached to T-slot tubing using traditional mounting methods, then the mount can be securely fixed, but the process requires disassembly and reassembly of T-slot components, increasing time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a clamp assembly that attaches to the T-slot tubing and a mount assembly that attaches to the clamp. This segmentation allows the clamp to remain permanently installed while mounts can be quickly attached and detached without disassembling the T-slot components themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly serves as an intermediary component between the T-slot tubing and the specialized mounts. It provides a mounting interface that eliminates the need to disassemble T-slot end caps or slide mechanisms, allowing direct attachment of mounts through the clamp's opening mechanism.
2Reliability
If traditional mounting methods are used for T-slot tubing, then mounts can be securely attached, but the process is complex requiring removal of end caps and reassembly of T-slot mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system separates the T-slot tubing structure from the mounting function by introducing an independent clamp assembly. This eliminates the need to disassemble T-slot end caps or slide mechanisms, as the clamp attaches to the external surface of the tubing.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly is pre-assembled with the mounting interface already configured. Users can directly attach mounts to the clamp without needing to prepare or disassemble T-slot components first, simplifying the overall mounting process.
3Reliability
If expensive threaded items are used for mounting, then secure attachment is achieved, but they are more costly and prone to loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly incorporates a dynamic opening mechanism that allows the clamp to be opened wide for mount attachment and then closed to secure the mount. This dynamic mechanism provides secure attachment without requiring expensive threaded items, as the clamping force itself provides the securing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly uses simple, inexpensive materials and mechanisms compared to traditional threaded mounting items. The design prioritizes cost-effectiveness and reliability by using a straightforward clamping mechanism rather than complex threaded fasteners that are prone to loosening.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp mount for clamping directly to T-slot tubing is disclosed. The clamp mount has a sizing surface suitable for assisting an installer to select a specific size of T-slot tubing. The clamp mount also has a mounting surface configurable by the purchaser to be suitable for a variety of pre-existing mounts. attached to or clamped to or mounted to T-slot tubing. During installation, the sizing surface can be used first, when someone is first attaching the clamp mount to the T-slot tubing. After that sizing is set, the user will typically only then attach the mount to the mounting surface. However, this could also be done in the reverse order.