Flexure Handrail Clamp

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In Figure 1, a clamp is shown with the attached mounting adapter secured, creating tension in the flexure and increasing clamping force up to 120 lbf before yield. Figure 2 illustrates the clamp in its free state, revealing a parabolic profile due to the flexure. In Figure 3, upon installation on a handrail, the flexure straightens while exerting a light clamping force of approximately 1.3 lbf prior to mounting adapter attachment. The installation steps are depicted in Figure 4. The cross-sectional view (Figure 5) shows the internal honeycomb construction, which is both lightweight and rigid. The chamfers between honeycomb walls and clamp sidewalls ensure maximum overhang remains at 45 degrees. FEA analysis was conducted for maximum flex during installation (Figure 6), using a 2D plane strain nonlinear approach. This revealed that the flexure experiences 95% of its yield stress during installation. For the clamp installed on a handrail (Figure 7), the flexure sees 48% of its yield stress, with an additional capacity for 120 lbf tension before yielding.