Non-protrusive expandable clamping device

摘要

A Non-Protrusive Expandable Clamping Device fastens together two bodies when conventional fastening devices cannot be used because of the unique space constraints and/or the shape of the joining surfaces of the bodies. The expandable clamping device, which has two tenons on opposite sides of its housing, can be slid into the bodies that have corresponding mortises on their joining surfaces to accommodate the tenons. The clamping device connects the bodies in one linear plane using motion in an orthogonal plane. When the clamping process is completed, facilitated by the rotational motion of a threaded bolt within the cavity inside the housing, what results is a joint that is strong in all directions as well as flush and airtight between the surfaces when an appropriate gasket or O-ring is utilized. Such a joint ensures proper alignment of the bodies while providing fixity in six degrees of freedom.