Adjustable Track Clamp With Spacer Blocks For Workpiece Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamping systems for workpieces lack precise positioning and adjustable capabilities, making it difficult to securely hold workpieces of varying thicknesses during operations like pocket-screw joinery.

Innovation Solution

A hand-operated clamp mechanism with adjustable spacer blocks and T-slots allows for precise positioning of workpieces along tracks, enabling secure clamping between multiple surfaces, accommodating different spacings and workpiece sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed clamp mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate workpieces of varying thicknesses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability to different workpiece thicknessesVSAvoidcomplexity of clamp mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp mechanism incorporates adjustable components including a movable clamp jaw that can be positioned at different locations along the workpiece, and adjustable spacer blocks that can be repositioned to accommodate varying workpiece thicknesses. The mechanism transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration, allowing the same clamp to adapt to different workpiece dimensions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp mechanism is divided into separate adjustable components including the clamp jaw, spacer blocks, and mounting positions. These segmented components can be independently adjusted and repositioned, allowing flexible adaptation to different workpiece thicknesses without requiring a completely different clamp design for each thickness variation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If precise positioning is implemented, then workpiece positioning accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece positioning precisionVSAvoidcomplexity of positioning system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer blocks are pre-configured with specific thicknesses and positioning features that enable precise workpiece positioning. By preparing these positioning elements in advance with predetermined dimensions and mounting them at specific locations along the track, the system achieves precise positioning without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms or measurement devices during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer blocks serve as intermediary elements between the clamp mechanism and the workpiece, providing precise positioning and spacing. These intermediary components absorb the complexity of precise positioning requirements, allowing the main clamp mechanism to remain relatively simple while still achieving accurate workpiece positioning through the mediating spacer blocks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9120205B2Adjustable track clamp

Publication Date: 2015.09.01 KREG ENTERPRISES INC

AI summary

An assembly comprises a platform including a first clamping surface, a track proximate to an edge of the first clamping surface, and a clamp mechanism including a second clamping surface. The clamp mechanism is configured to clamp a workpiece between the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface. The clamp mechanism is mounted to the track. The clamp mechanism is positionable at different locations along the track. The assembly may further comprise one or more adjustable spacer blocks mountable to the track to facilitate precisely positioning a workpiece proximate to the track at least two different spacings.