Wire Pole Clamp With Side-Access Tool-Free Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional clamps for attaching accessories to poles require access to the ends, tool usage, and often necessitate pole modification, making them cumbersome and limiting in application.

Innovation Solution

A clamping device comprising a first clamp component formed from bent wire that partially circumscribes a pole, a second rotatable clamp component, and a handle component that securely engages the clamp components about the pole's circumference, allowing for tool-free attachment and detachment without modifying the pole.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional clamps are used to attach accessories to poles, then the accessories can be secured to the pole, but access to the ends of the pole is required and tools are needed for installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidinstallation requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp is divided into two separate components: a C-shaped clamp body that engages with the pole and a separate fastening mechanism with a handle. This segmentation allows the clamp to be opened and closed without tools by simply manipulating the handle, eliminating the need for wrenches or other installation tools while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring access to the ends of the pole as conventional clamps do, this invention allows installation from the side of the pole. The C-shaped clamp can be opened laterally and closed around the pole by manipulating the handle from the side, completely inverting the traditional approach of end-access installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If conventional clamps require tightening of a fastener to be secured to a pole, then secure attachment is achieved, but tool usage is necessitated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidtool requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp incorporates a self-contained fastening system where the handle directly actuates the clamping action. When the handle is closed, it automatically tightens the clamp around the pole through its mechanical linkage, and when opened, it automatically releases. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external tools while maintaining reliable attachment security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If some conventional clamps require modification of the pole for installation, then the clamp can be attached, but the installation becomes particularly burdensome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidinstallation burden

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The C-shaped clamp body is designed as a flexible, open-ended structure that can be easily opened and closed around the pole without requiring any modification to the pole itself. The flexible wire construction allows the clamp to adapt to the pole's circumference and maintain stable attachment through friction and geometry alone, completely avoiding the need for drilling, cutting, or other pole modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 attachment and detachment of accessories to poles without access to the ends or tools, providing a versatile and efficient solution for various applications.

Implementation Method 1

a second clamp component rotatably coupled to the first clamp component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

a handle component configured to couple the second clamp component to the first clamp component; wherein, when the handle component is rotated in a first tightening direction, the first clamp component and the second clamp component are brought into secure engagement about the circumference of the pole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force transmission: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

the first clamp component and the second clamp component are brought into secure engagement about the circumference of the pole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11828314B1Clamping device and a clamping system using the same

Publication Date: 2023.11.28 MARKUSIC FRANK RICHARD

AI summary

A clamping device and a clamping system using the same are disclosed herein. The clamping device includes a first clamp component formed from bent wire configured to partially circumscribe a pole, and including at least one offset portion for defining an accessory receiving space between the first clamp component and a sidewall of the pole; a second clamp component rotatably coupled to the first clamp component, formed from bent wire, and configured to partially circumscribe the pole; and a handle component configured to couple the second clamp component to the first clamp component. When the handle component is rotated in a first tightening direction, the first clamp component and the second clamp component are brought into secure engagement about the circumference of the pole. When the handle component is rotated in a second loosening direction, the clamping device is capable of being disengaged from the pole.