NASA Clamp Challenge Dovetail 2

grabcad

An innovative idea for this challenge involves using a dovetail locking design similar to that in another clamp. The clamp features an upper and lower dovetail with a matching cap; the upper dovetail has a slight taper visible in photos, allowing the cap (with parallel dovetails) to tighten the main body onto the rail as it's slid into place. When the cap is almost at the end of its slide, the parts lock/snap together using a small ball and socket snap on the lower dovetail. Adjustments were made to perfect the design, which was then printed out. Upon assembly, the parts slide together securely, tightening onto the rail while an end stop halts sliding movement and a small ball and socket lock into place. This setup proves strong and secure once assembled and tested. The clamp's internal holding area is designed with slight interference to the rail for extra stability. Notably, both components print cleanly without needing additional support material for removal later.