Toolless Cart Clamp for Joining Parallel Utility Cart Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for joining and separating tubular structures like utility carts are not efficient, as they require conventional train car connections or forklift adaptations, making it difficult to store and move multiple carts together while also allowing for quick separation and breakdown.
Innovation Solution
The use of a multistage selective cart clamp (MSCC) apparatus that includes a tube retention body with retention bolts and an alignment lock plate, allowing for toolless connection and disconnection of adjacent structural tubes in a parallel relation, facilitating secure grouping and easy separation of utility carts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional train car connections or forklift adaptations are used to join tubular structures, then multiple carts can be moved together, but the separation and breakdown process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connection apparatus is divided into distinct functional segments: a clamp assembly that grips the tubular structure, a retention body that maintains clamping force, and a actuation mechanism that enables toolless operation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall assembly and disassembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly incorporates a dynamic actuation mechanism that transitions between locked and unlocked states through simple manual operation. The retention body maintains continuous clamping pressure during movement, then rapidly releases when actuated, enabling quick transitions between connected and separated states without complex tools or procedures
2Ease of operation
If toolless connector is used for joining adjacent structural tubes, then separation and storage becomes easier, but the securing strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retention body is designed to maintain continuous clamping force on the tubular structure through its own geometry and elastic properties, without requiring external tools or additional fastening mechanisms. The structure itself provides the securing force needed to maintain the connection during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly utilizes curved or rounded contact surfaces that conform to the cylindrical shape of the tubular structure. This curvature distribution concentrates clamping force at optimal points while maintaining even pressure around the tube, ensuring strong securement without requiring complex multi-point fastening systems
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for joining adjacent structural tubes together. The apparatus may include a tube retention body with a pair of substantially parallel retention bolts that are inserted in substantially parallel alignment within the end portions of the adjacent structural tubes. Additionally, an alignment lock plate may be pivotally affixed to the tube retention body and may be designed to retain and lock together a pair of adjacent structural tubes in a substantially parallel relation using a toolless connector. The disclosed system may include two adjacent tubular structures joined together by the disclosed apparatus via the disclosed method.