Torque-Limited Clamp Mount With Elastomer Jaw for Surveying Supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional holders for handheld electrical devices, such as data collectors and cellular phones, face issues with stability, ease of use, and convenience, particularly when mounted on surveying poles or tripods, due to inadequate connection mechanisms, which can compromise accuracy and cause damage to the equipment and supports.
Innovation Solution
A torque limiting rotary driver mechanism and a clamp system with a jaw and anvil design that includes an elastomeric pad for secure engagement, allowing for adjustable positioning without overtightening, enabling secure attachment to geomatics supports while preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional clamp with screw and screw knob is used to secure the holder to the pole or tripod, then the holder can be firmly attached, but the small contact area requires hard pressing which can cause irreparable damage to the pole or tripod
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a torque limiting mechanism as an intermediary between the user's tightening action and the clamp's gripping force. This mechanism mediates the force transmission, allowing the clamp to achieve secure attachment while preventing excessive force that would damage the pole or tripod. The torque limiter acts as a protective intermediary that translates rotational input into controlled linear motion of the jaw.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of applied force by implementing a torque limiting mechanism that caps the maximum tightening force. Instead of allowing unlimited force application through a conventional screw mechanism, the system transforms the tightening action into a controlled parameter change where the jaw moves a limited distance or applies a capped force, thereby preventing damage while maintaining secure attachment.
2Reliability
If the support positively connects to the data collector to securely hold it, then the data collector is prevented from falling, but it becomes difficult to manually enter survey data and may cause vibration or movement of the tripod or pole
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection system into two independent parts: a secure clamping mechanism that firmly attaches the holder to the pole/tripod, and a releasable support mechanism that holds the data collector. This segmentation allows the support to positively connect and secure the device during normal operation, while enabling easy release when data entry is needed, thus resolving the contradiction between retention reliability and operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic connection system where the support's engagement with the data collector can transition between locked and released states. The support positively connects to secure the device during surveying operations, but can be quickly released for data entry. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt between two operational modes, maintaining reliability when needed and ease of operation when data manipulation is required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connection between the support and clamp is released or loosened to adjust the angle, then the angle can be adjusted to desired position, but the process is time consuming and may result in undesired movement of the pole or tripod
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the angle adjustment function with the existing secure clamping mechanism by integrating a release button or actuator into the clamp assembly. This allows the user to adjust the support angle without completely releasing or loosening the clamp's attachment to the pole or tripod. The merging of these functions enables angle adjustment while maintaining overall structural stability, reducing adjustment time and preventing undesired movement.
4Device complexity
If a conventional C-clamp design with point or line contact is used, then the clamp structure is simple, but the small contact area creates instability and requires overtightening which is prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a torque limiting mechanism as an intermediary that mediates between the simple C-clamp structure and the stability requirement. This intermediary component allows the simple clamp design to achieve stable attachment by controlling the force application, preventing both overtightening and instability. The torque limiter acts as a protective intermediary that enables the simple structure to perform reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction in the clamp assembly, combining the simple C-clamp structure with a torque limiting mechanism and elastomeric materials. This composite approach maintains structural simplicity while adding functional complexity through the integration of different material properties and mechanisms, achieving both simplicity and stability simultaneously.
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 solution provides a stable and adjustable mounting system that allows for easy handling and positioning of handheld devices, preventing damage to supports and ensuring accurate data collection without compromising the surveying equipment's stability or accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The grip is resiliently deformable such that upon reaching the threshold torque the grip is deformed thereby allowing the grip to rotate relative to the head and shaft
Implementation Method 2
the grip is resiliently deformable such that upon reaching the threshold torque the grip is deformed thereby allowing the grip to rotate relative to the head and shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp comprises an anvil and a jaw member moveable relative to the anvil between a secured positioned and an unsecured positioned. A driver, which moves the jaw member between the secured and unsecured positions, includes a torque limiter to inhibit overtightening the jaw member against an object. The jaw member has a rigid engagement portion and an elastomeric pad on its engagement surface. In the unsecured position, the elastomeric pad projects above the rigid material such that when the jaw member is brought into contact with the object, the elastomeric pad contacts the object and the object is substantially free of contact with the rigid engagement portion. In the secured position, the elastomeric pad is compressed such that both the elastomeric pad and rigid engagement portion contact the object.