Adjustable Quick Vise with Cam Release and Ratcheting Jaw Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional vises are not adjustable, making them unsuitable for tasks requiring manipulation of the workpiece orientation, as they are typically bolted to a workbench in a static position.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable vise with a clamping structure and an adjustable base that includes a surface mounting structure with positional adjustments, allowing for the vise to be securely mounted and easily repositioned on a work surface, featuring a driving element with a release structure for rapid jaw adjustments and a ratcheting mechanism for user-friendly operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the vise is bolted to the workbench in a static position, then the vise is securely mounted and stable, but the vise cannot be adjusted to accommodate different workpiece orientations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of vise positionVSAvoidcomplexity of mounting structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure is divided into separate components: a base with multiple mounting holes, a body portion, and a jaw assembly. This segmentation allows the vise to be mounted in different positions while maintaining structural integrity and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vise transitions from a static mounted position to a dynamically adjustable configuration. The base provides fixed mounting points, while the body and jaw assembly can be repositioned and resecured at different locations, enabling adaptation to various workpiece orientations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the vise is mounted in a fixed position, then the mounting structure is simple, but the vise cannot accommodate various workpiece orientations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece orientation capabilityVSAvoidtime for repositioning vise

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple mounting holes are pre-drilled and positioned in the base at various locations and angles. This preliminary preparation allows for quick selection and adjustment to different workpiece orientations without requiring time-consuming drilling or complex repositioning procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the clamping jaw is adjusted manually, then the structure is simple, but rapid adjustment of the clamping jaw is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of jaw adjustmentVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manual threading mechanism is replaced with a cam-based quick-adjust system. The cam mechanism converts rotational motion into rapid linear displacement of the clamping jaw, enabling quick adjustment without the time-consuming process of manual threading, while maintaining adequate clamping force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If the vise uses a cam-based quick-adjust mechanism, then rapid adjustment of the clamping jaw is enabled, but the mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of jaw adjustmentVSAvoidcomplexity of driving element

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cam mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-explanatory in its operation. The user simply needs to understand the basic cam action to perform quick adjustments, eliminating the need for complex controls or multiple adjustment steps. The mechanism serves itself by converting simple rotational input into the desired linear clamping motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables flexible positioning and rapid adjustment of the vise relative to the work surface, accommodating various workpiece orientations and sizes, enhancing usability in diverse work functions.

Implementation Method 1

the user application of force operates a ratcheting mechanism to move the first clamping jaw relative to the second clamping jaw

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRatcheting mechanism: Ratchet

Implementation Method 2

the driving element comprises a release structure to release the applied force to facilitate rapid adjustment of the first clamping jaw relative to the second clamping jaw

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force release: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11565377B2Adjustable quick vise

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 JS PROD INC

AI summary

An embodiment of a vise may include a clamping structure having a first clamping jaw, a second clamping jaw positioned relative to the first clamping jaw, and a quick adjust jaw guide to maintain the first clamping jaw relative to the second clamping jaw. The quick adjust jaw guide may include a driving element to apply a force to move the first clamping jaw relative to the second clamping jaw, wherein the driving element comprises a release structure to release the applied force to facilitate rapid adjustment of the first clamping jaw relative to the second clamping jaw.