Forcing split clamping elements

        The screw force will push or pull a portion of the clamping element in order to create the appropriate clamping action. This portion (separated by a split) is forced to bend towards the part in order to clamp it. These clamping elements are very useful due to their simplicity. They can be very small in size and can manufacture with low cost. Designing clamping elements with split is simple through 3 basic rules and 1 secondary.
The clearance between the feature (usually a hole or slot) where the clamped part is placed and the clamping dimension of the clamped part must be the minimum in order to create a strong clamping action.
The screw must be placed at the minimum distance from the clamping feature. This is basic because the clamping element will have the minimum deformation in case of opposite forces (reaction from the clamped part).
Place the female thread on the deformable portion when the screw pulls it. In the contrary when the screw push the deformable portion, place the thread on the rigid portion.
The efficiency of the screw and the uniform loading of the deformable portion depend on the correct pushing or pulling. The ideal situation in pushing is the screw to push the deformable portion through a steel ball. Using a screw with a cup point facilitates this action. In case where the screw pulls the deformable part, the screw hole must have adequate clearance.