Releasable Walkway Clamp for Drill-Free Frame Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular access ramp systems are cumbersome to transport and install, require drilling into frames for assembly, which damages components and affects structural integrity, and accessing underneath modules is difficult and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A releasable clamp system comprising a first member, a second member, and a fastener with a first and second part, allowing secure attachment of a walkway surface to a support frame without welding, enabling easy installation and removal without needing access from both sides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If prefabricated modules are used for access ramps, then assembly is simplified, but transport becomes cumbersome and requires multiple vehicle loads
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into multiple separable components including a first member with shaft, a second member with receiving portion, and a fastener with first and second parts. This segmentation allows the components to be transported separately and assembled on-site, reducing transport difficulty while maintaining assembly simplicity.
2Strength
If drilling is used to affix walkway to frame, then secure attachment is achieved, but structural integrity is compromised and components may rust
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into clamp members that wrap around the frame rather than penetrating it. The first member passes through the walkway while the second member engages the frame externally, creating a secure attachment without compromising frame integrity or requiring drilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp members act as intermediary elements between the walkway and frame. Instead of directly drilling into the frame, the clamp members mediate the attachment process by clamping the walkway to the frame, preserving structural integrity while achieving secure attachment.
3Ease of repair
If access is needed underneath the walkway, then maintenance can be performed, but entire modules must be removed which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp system is segmented into removable fasteners that can be independently accessed and operated. The fastener with first and second parts can be undone from the walkway side, allowing the walkway to be detached and moved without removing entire modules, thus enabling quick access underneath.
4Strength
If fasteners are used to secure walkway to frame, then attachment is achieved, but accessing the fasteners from underneath requires reaching under the frame which is unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism is inverted so that the operational end of the fastener is accessible from the walkway side rather than the frame side. The first part of the fastener engages the shaft from the walkway side, allowing operators to access and operate the fastener safely without reaching underneath the frame.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a releasable clamp for releasably securing a walkway surface to a support frame, the walkway surface being a first component and the support frame being a second component, the releasable clamp comprising: a first member, a second member, and a fastener configured to releasably secure the first member to the second member, the fastener comprising a first part and a second part, wherein the first member comprises: a portion for rotating the first member relative to a first surface of the first component and for exerting a force against the first component, and a shaft projecting along a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the portion for rotating the first member, wherein the shaft is configured to: receive the first part of the fastener along the longitudinal axis, pass through the first component in use, and locate the first member parallel to the first surface of the first component, wherein the second member comprises a receiving portion configured to: align longitudinally with the longitudinal axis and receive the shaft, and receive the second part of the fastener along the longitudinal axis, wherein the shaft and the receiving portion are configured to mutually engage, such that the second member rotates with rotation of the first member, wherein the first and second parts of the fastener are configured to mutually engage to secure the first member to the second member, and wherein the second member is configured to abut a second surface of the first component in use, wherein the second member further comprises a clamping portion projecting perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis, wherein the clamping portion is configured to abut a first surface of the second component when the first and second members are rotated into a securing position in use, and to exert a force to secure the second component against the first component as the first part of the fastener is tightened relative to the second part of the fastener in use.