Height Adjustable Clamping Lever with Fine Thread

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamping levers face challenges in achieving the most favorable clamping position, as the height adjustment mechanisms often require access to the underside, leading to insecure clamping transmission and limited precision due to thread pitch limitations, and the bearing bores can wear out from repeated pivoting.

Innovation Solution

A clamping lever with a height-adjustable counter bearing that uses a fine thread for sensitive height adjustment and a swivel angle limiter, ensuring maximum clamping force without protruding bearing bores, and securing the bearing bolt against rotation through a press fit or deformation, allowing for captive connection and precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the bearing bolt is arranged to pivot in a bearing bore, then the clamping lever can be pivoted for clamping operations, but the bearing bore becomes loose or wears out due to repeated pivoting movement and friction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepivoting movement of clamping leverVSAvoidbearing bore security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing bolt is extracted from the bearing bore after initial positioning, eliminating the worn bearing bore. The clamping lever is then secured to the tensioning device through other means (such as the clamping action itself), allowing repeated pivoting without further wear to the bearing bore location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing bolt is used temporarily during assembly to establish the correct pivoting position of the clamping lever. Once positioned correctly, the bolt is removed and the clamping mechanism is secured in a way that maintains this position without requiring the bolt to remain in the bearing bore during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If a threaded hole is arranged in the cross bolt for height adjustment, then the clamping position can be adjusted, but the cross-section of the cross-bolt is weakened and the clamping transmission becomes insecure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight adjustment of clamping bearingVSAvoidcross-bolt clamping transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of threading the cross-bolt itself, a separate threaded element (such as a threaded insert or separate adjustment mechanism) is used for height adjustment. This preserves the structural integrity of the cross-bolt while providing the necessary adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The height adjustment function is separated from the cross-bolt structure. A distinct threaded component or adjustment mechanism is introduced, allowing the cross-bolt to maintain its full cross-sectional strength while the adjustment function is provided by a separate element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a threaded bolt is used for height adjustment of the clamping bearing, then the clamping position can be adjusted, but the adjustment precision is limited by the thread pitch

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping height adjustmentVSAvoidclamping position precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism transitions from a fixed thread pitch to a more flexible system. This could involve a fine-adjustment mechanism combined with coarse adjustment, or a mechanism that allows continuous adjustment beyond the limitations of standard thread pitches, enabling precise positioning of the clamping bearing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment function is divided into multiple stages or mechanisms: a coarse adjustment mechanism for general positioning and a fine adjustment mechanism for precise positioning. This segmentation overcomes the precision limitations of a single thread pitch system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP1726403B1Lever with height adjustable stop
Publication Date: 2010.06.09 OTTO GANTER GMBH & CO KG NORMTEILEFAB
  • EP1726403B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1726403B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP1726403B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The arrangement can be used for clamping a sheet (2) to a base (1). A bolt (6) is guided through bores (4,3) in both parts and from below into a hollow bolt (11) with a threaded inner surface and a transversal bore at the upper end also accommodating a bolt (12) serving as a rotation axle. The lever (13), to be moved around the bolt (12), is provided with a step serving as a stop. A nut (9) with a stepped inner surface and positioned on top of the sheet (2) can be used for adjusting the height of the lever (13) in combination with a washer (10).