Torqueing Clamp for Semi-Rigid Sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locking and clamping semi-rigid materials like cardboard boxes are non-reusable, often damage the material, and lack efficient mechanisms for attaching additional plastic parts with rotational options.
Innovation Solution
A torqueing clamp system with a threaded rod, asymmetric clamp face, and safety features that securely lock sheets of semi-rigid materials without damage, combined with a plug and socket system for attaching and rotating additional parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single use glue, metal staples, or adhesive tape are used to hold cardboard together, then the materials can be joined, but the joining method damages the material and is non-reusable
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp head is segmented into distinct functional regions: a gripping region with a hook for engaging the first side of the sheets, and a leverage region for applying rotational force. This segmentation allows the clamp to lock onto the material without penetrating or damaging it, while maintaining a secure hold that can be reused multiple times.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded rod acts as an intermediary mechanism that converts rotational motion into linear clamping force. When the nut is tightened onto the threaded rod, it generates axial force that presses the clamp face against the sheets, creating a secure connection without direct damage to the material.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a symmetric clamp face is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot provide both gripping and leverage functions effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp face is deliberately designed with asymmetric geometry, featuring a gripping region with a hook-like protrusion on one side and a leverage region with a different profile on the other side. This asymmetry enables the single clamp face to perform multiple functions: the gripping region engages with the first side of the sheets to prevent slippage, while the leverage region provides a surface for applying rotational force to tighten the clamp.
3Force
If the threaded rod penetrates deeply through the sheets to provide strong clamping, then the clamping force increases, but the risk of material damage and safety hazards increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp face is designed to make preliminary contact with the first side of the sheets before the threaded rod penetrates through to the second side. The clamp face distributes the initial clamping force across a larger surface area, preventing concentrated stress that would cause penetration damage or safety hazards while still achieving effective clamping.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional clamping methods are used, then the sheets can be held together, but additional plastic parts cannot be easily attached or rotated
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is designed with universal functionality by integrating a plug-socket attachment system. The clamp head can serve both as a clamping device for holding sheets together and as a mounting point for additional plastic parts through the plug and socket interface. This allows the same basic structure to perform multiple functions: clamping, attaching, and enabling rotation of additional components.
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 system provides a reusable, damage-free locking mechanism for semi-rigid materials and allows for robust attachment of flexible materials, enabling secure and adjustable rotation of additional plastic parts.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded rod, affixed to the clamp face, having (i) a longitudinal axis disposed normally to the face plane before the clamp has been placed in use, (ii) a first end affixed to the clamp face, and (iii) a second end configured to penetrate through the set of sheets
Implementation Method 2
as the nut is tightened, the axially projecting portion of the leverage region first contacts the first side of the set of sheets, and upon continued tightening exerts a torque on the head, relative to the threaded rod, elastically deforming the clamp so as to cause the hook of the gripping region to dig into the first side
Data Source
AI summary
A system for locking together sheets of semi-rigid material. The system includes a clamp with a head having a clamp face, and a threaded rod having a first end affixed to the clamp face, and a second end that penetrates through the sheets. The system also includes a nut with a face forced into contact with the second side when tightened to the rod. The clamp face includes a gripping region, in a first circumferential position, with a trough and a hook that projects beyond the plane of the clamp face; and a leverage region, in a second circumferential position, that projects axially, so that, as the nut is tightened, the leverage region contacts the sheets' first side, and upon continued tightening, exerts a torque on the clamp head, elastically deforming the clamp so as to cause the hook to dig into the first side and prevent head rotation.