Wedge Clamp Assembly for Cylindrical Objects of Varying Lengths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp arrangements for cylindrical objects, such as capacitors, are ineffective when capacitors of different lengths are clamped together, as only the longest capacitor is properly secured, while shorter ones are not clamped adequately.
Innovation Solution
A clamp arrangement comprising a clamp member with an internal thread, a wedge with an inner surface contacting the capacitor's side, and a circular tightening member with an external thread, allowing for secure fastening of cylindrical objects regardless of length, with the wedge forming a discontinuous ring around the object and materials like plastic or thermoplastic elastomer used for the components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a support element is adapted to be in contact with a plurality of cylindrical capacitors, then the clamp arrangement can secure multiple capacitors, but all capacitors must have the same length which limits adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp member is designed with a tapered inner clamping surface that creates a self-adjusting mechanism. When the circular tightening member is rotated, the wedge-shaped clamp member moves axially and radially simultaneously, automatically adapting to different capacitor lengths and diameters without requiring precise pre-positioning for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The single clamp arrangement integrates multiple functions: the clamp member provides both axial positioning and radial clamping, the wedge converts rotational motion to axial and radial displacement, and the tapered surface enables adaptation to various capacitor dimensions. This universal design secures capacitors of different lengths and diameters with one standardized component set.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cylindrical capacitors of different lengths are clamped, then the clamp arrangement should accommodate varying lengths, but shorter capacitors are clamped poorly or not at all
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered inner clamping surface enables the clamp member to dynamically adjust its position. As the circular tightening member rotates, the clamp member's axial and radial movements are coupled through the taper angle, ensuring that the clamping force is consistently applied regardless of the capacitor length, thereby securing both long and short capacitors reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric parameters of the clamp member (taper angle, wedge shape) are specifically designed to transform the rotational parameter of the circular tightening member into coordinated axial and radial displacements. This parameter transformation ensures that the clamping force and contact pressure remain effective across a range of capacitor lengths.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a tapered inner clamping surface is used, then adaptability to different diameters is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered inner clamping surface is designed with specific geometric parameters (taper angle, starting diameter, ending diameter) that create a self-adjusting mechanism. This geometric configuration allows the clamp member to automatically adapt to different capacitor diameters through the wedge action, reducing the need for high-precision manual adjustment while maintaining reliable clamping.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered surface creates a dynamic adaptation mechanism where the clamp member's position and contact point automatically adjust based on the capacitor diameter. This dynamic geometric adaptation compensates for minor manufacturing tolerances in both the clamp and capacitor, reducing the overall precision requirements compared to fixed-dimension clamping solutions.
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
Enables secure clamping of cylindrical objects of varying lengths and minor cross-sectional size differences, ensuring proper fastening and preventing leakage issues with appropriate material hardness.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge (6) having an inner surface adapted to be in contact with a side surface of the cylindrical object (4), and an outer surface adapted to be in contact with the inner clamping surface (21)
Implementation Method 2
The clamp member (2) has an inner clamping surface (21) and an internal thread (218)... The circular tightening member (8) has an external thread (828) compatible with the internal thread (218) of the clamp member (2)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A clamp arrangement for a cylindrical object comprising a clamp member (2) adapted to receive an end of a cylindrical object (4), the clamp member (2) having an inner clamping surface (21) and an internal thread (218); a wedge (6) having an inner surface adapted to be in contact with a side surface of the cylindrical object (4), and an outer surface adapted to be in contact with the inner clamping surface (21); and a circular tightening member (8) having an external thread (828) compatible with the internal thread (218) of the clamp member (2), and an end surface (89) adapted to be in contact with an end surface (69) of the wedge (6). The clamp member (2), the wedge (6), and the circular tightening member (8) are adapted to co-operate with each other for fastening the cylindrical object (4) to the clamp member (2).