U-Shaped Clamping Assembly for Fast Secure Cross-Element Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices for connecting elongated elements, such as square profiles to fittings, require dexterity and are time-consuming to assemble, with complex manufacturing and high costs due to the use of wedge elements and screws.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a U-shaped base element and a through-opening holding section that allows for easy assembly by using a hook-shaped actuating element to apply force directly to the second element, enabling secure fixing without the need for intricate adjustments or complex manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wedge elements and screws are used to connect the second element to the first element, then secure fixing is achieved, but assembly becomes time-consuming and requires high dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is divided into a base element and a separate clamping element that can be independently assembled. The clamping element with the actuating element can be attached to the base element without tools, allowing rapid assembly while maintaining the secure fixing function through the segmented design.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping element is designed to be movable and adjustable relative to the base element. The actuating element can be manually adjusted to dynamically adapt the clamping force, enabling secure fixing without requiring precise pre-adjustment or complex assembly procedures.
2Reliability
If wedge elements are used to connect the second element to the first element, then secure fixing is achieved, but manufacturing effort and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping element integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides the clamping action, houses the actuating element, and attaches to the base element. This merging eliminates the need for separate wedge elements and reduces manufacturing steps while maintaining secure fixing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping element serves multiple purposes: it acts as a clamping mechanism, a mounting structure for the actuating element, and a connection interface with the base element. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of parts required and simplifies manufacturing processes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a clamping device with transverse leg and side legs is used to connect elements, then structural stability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is segmented into a simple U-shaped base element and a separate clamping element. This segmentation reduces the complexity of each individual component while maintaining overall structural stability through their coordinated arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping element acts as an intermediary between the simple base element and the elements being connected. It provides the necessary clamping force and adjustment capability without requiring the base element itself to be complex.
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
Facilitates simple and secure assembly of the second element to the first element, allowing for easy positioning and adjustment, reducing assembly time and manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural integrity and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the actuating element acts upon the clamping section when adjusted in the direction of the clamping section, which in turn is designed to bear against the second element and to exert force to fix it to the first element
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a clamping device (14) for connecting an elongated first element (10) with a second element (12) extending transversely to it, comprising a base element which, in a section perpendicular to the second element, has a U-shape with transverse legs (18) and side legs (20, 22) extending from it, between which the second element extends in the assembly position, and a clamping device which is suitable for exerting a force on the second element to fix it to the first element.The clamping device has a clamping section extending from the base element (16) and a holding section extending from the base element having a through-opening, which is fixed between the transverse legs (20, 22), wherein the through-opening is designed to receive an actuating element such that the actuating element acts on the clamping section when adjusted in the direction of the clamping section, which is designed to bear against the second element (12) and to exert force to fix it to the first element (10).