Universal Panel Mounting Clamp With Adjustable Leg

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing panel mounting systems require multiple clamp types to accommodate various panel thicknesses, leading to inefficiencies in ordering, tracking, warehousing, and installation due to the need for different mid-clamps and end-clamps, increasing costs for producers, distributors, and installers.

Innovation Solution

A universal clamp device with a clamp assembly and adjustable leg that can function as both a mid-clamp and an end-clamp, compatible with multiple panel thicknesses, reducing the need for multiple clamp types by using a single clamp for all cases, with the leg configurable to prevent lateral movement and uplift by resting on a rail.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple clamp types are used to accommodate various panel thicknesses, then the system can handle different panel specifications, but the complexity of ordering, tracking, warehousing, and installation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with various panel thicknessesVSAvoidnumber of different clamp types

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single clamp type that can function as both a mid-clamp and an end-clamp for panels of various thicknesses. The clamp incorporates an adjustable leg mechanism that can be configured in different positions to accommodate different panel thicknesses and mounting positions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized clamp types while maintaining compatibility across various panel specifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple clamp types are used for different panel thicknesses, then all panel specifications can be accommodated, but the cost for producers, distributors, and installers increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different panel thicknessesVSAvoidinventory of different clamp types

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The universal clamp design allows a single clamp type to replace multiple specialized clamps, significantly reducing the quantity of different clamp types that need to be ordered, tracked, warehoused, and installed. The adjustable leg mechanism enables one clamp design to serve multiple functions across different panel thicknesses, thereby reducing inventory complexity and associated costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single universal clamp is used for all cases, then the cost and complexity are reduced, but the clamp must be adaptable to multiple configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of clamp typesVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by incorporating an adjustable leg mechanism that can be configured in different positions to accommodate various panel thicknesses and mounting requirements. The leg can be adjusted to different lengths and angles, allowing the single clamp type to dynamically adapt to multiple configurations rather than requiring fixed, specialized designs for each application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10605282B1Panel mounting device

Publication Date: 2020.03.31 YOUNG

AI summary

Panel mounting devices are disclosed herein. The disclosed panel mounting devices comprise a clamp assembly and a configurable leg. The clamp assembly comprises a bolt, a nut and a body. The body comprises a first pressure surface operative to apply pressure to a first adjacent panel. The leg is configurable in at least two positions. In one position the leg rests on a rail thereby preventing lateral movement of the device.