Telescoping Clamp Groove Lock for Variable Footboard Widths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bed-hook designs for securing controllers of sequential compression devices are not adjustable and fail to securely fix the controller to footboards of varying widths, often requiring the controller to be placed on the floor instead of the bed.

Innovation Solution

A telescopingly adjustable clamp system with anchor rods and positioning members that allow for adjustable clamping, enabling secure attachment to supports of different widths, featuring axially spaced grooves and resilient positioning tabs for precise adjustment and secure grip.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rigid looped rod bed-hook design is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot be adjusted to fit footboards of varying widths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability to different footboard widthsVSAvoidcomplexity of the bed-hook structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bed-hook design transitions from a static rigid rod to a dynamic telescoping structure with movable segments. The telescoping mechanism allows the hook to extend and retract, adapting to different footboard widths while maintaining structural integrity. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by introducing controlled motion rather than requiring multiple fixed-size hooks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The telescoping bed-hook employs a nested structure where one rod segment is inserted within another. This nesting arrangement allows the hook to compact to a small size when not in use while extending to accommodate wider footboards. The nested design achieves high adaptability in a compact form factor, addressing the contradiction between versatility and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a pivotally attached arm design is used, then some adjustability is achieved, but the controller may not be securely fixed to footboards of various widths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fixation to footboardVSAvoidcompatibility with various footboard widths

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The telescoping mechanism provides continuous adjustability rather than discrete pivot positions, allowing the bed-hook to precisely match the width of any footboard. This dynamic adjustment ensures reliable fixation across a range of widths, resolving the contradiction between security and versatility by enabling precise adaptation to each specific footboard dimension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the controller is placed on the floor instead of the bed, then it can be used when bed-hook adjustment is not possible, but it creates safety hazards and reduces usability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to secure to different support surfacesVSAvoidsafety hazards from floor placement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The telescoping bed-hook restores the ability to securely mount the controller to the bed by adapting to various footboard widths. This eliminates the need for floor placement and its associated safety hazards, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and safety by providing a secure mounting solution for all bed configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 system ensures secure fixation of the controller to a variety of support widths, allowing it to be safely positioned on footboards or other structures, enhancing stability and usability.

Implementation Method 1

At least one of the positioning tab and the barrier wall is resiliently deflectable upon application of a release force along the longitudinal axis of the anchor rod for moving the positioning tab out of one of the grooves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8246028B2Telescopingly adjustable clamp

Publication Date: 2012.08.21 KPR U S LLC

AI summary

A telescopingly adjustable clamp for securing an object to a support may include an anchor rod with a plurality of circumferentially extending grooves which define at least one barrier wall. A positioning member defines a receptacle that receives a portion of the anchor rod and allows motion of the anchor rod relative to the positioning member in the receptacle. The positioning member includes a positioning tab that projects into the receptacle and is sized and shaped to be received in one of the grooves. The positioning member supports a clamping member that extends generally radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the anchor rod. Relative movement of the anchor rod and the positioning member changes the distance between the clamping member and the object.