NASA Handrail Clamp
Finally, the bolt head is built with a sliding T-handle. The sliding T-handle allows the bolt to be tightened securely without needing to extend the T-handle over the mounting rail area. It also keeps the mounting rail area clear for the attachment peg.
The two jaw halves each have a small "bump" on the tightening end. This causes each half to angle inward slightly as it is tightened to ensure the clamp does not bend back open during use.
This design of the handrail clamp consists of two jaws and a tightening bolt. Both sides of the jaw are equipped with the mounting rail for ease of use and simplicity of the part. This way both sides are the same, so there are fewer unique parts.
One of the 3D CAD challenges I participated in was the NASA Handrail Clamp Assembly Challenge hosted by GrabCAD.
For this challenge, I had to design a 3D printable handrail clamp for the International Space Station (ISS). For full contest details see: NASA Handrail Clamp Assembly Challenge
Assembled top view
Assembled view
Assembled view
Handrail Clamp photo album.
Print bed top view
Print bed view
To view my challenge entry visit: https://grabcad.com/library/nasa-handrail-clamp-31# or view it below on this webpage.
Results:
My design did not place in the contest; however, one of the winning designs was very similar (Winning design). The design was much more refined; it did not use as much plastic and was simpler to use (fewer parts).