Multi-Jaw Clamping Device for Angled Workpiece Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clamping devices for workpieces prone to inaccuracies and are tedious, limited in range of widths, and impede access to the joint, making it difficult to accurately and efficiently clamp multiple workpieces at predetermined angles.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with multiple jaws, each oriented at corresponding angles, connected to pivotally movable arms and an actuator, allowing for easy adjustment and secure clamping of workpieces at various angles and widths, with optional jaw designs for different shapes and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multi purpose clamps or picture frame clamps are used to accurately hold workpieces at 90° angles, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates due to limited applicability and tedious clamping process
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is divided into multiple independent arms (at least three arms) that can be adjusted and positioned independently. Each arm can be separately configured to accommodate different workpiece widths and angles, allowing for precise positioning without requiring a complex, monolithic structure. This segmentation enables accurate clamping while maintaining operational simplicity through modular adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates movable and adjustable components including arms that can be positioned at different angles and widths. The clamping device transitions from a static, fixed-configuration design to a dynamic, adjustable configuration that adapts to various workpiece dimensions and angle requirements, improving both precision and ease of operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If multi purpose clamps or picture frame clamps are used to accurately hold workpieces, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as they are only employable for a very limited range of widths of the workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses multiple independent arms that can be individually adjusted in width and angle. Each arm can be separately configured to match different workpiece dimensions, enabling the device to accommodate a wide range of workpiece widths while maintaining precise clamping accuracy for each specific configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device is designed with universal applicability through its adjustable arms that can be configured for different workpiece widths and angles. The device can clamp multiple workpieces simultaneously at various predetermined angles (such as 90°, 45°, etc.), making it a multi-functional tool that replaces several specialized clamps.
3Ease of operation
If traditional clamping methods with fences are used to facilitate orientation of workpieces, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inaccuracies in orientation during the clamping process
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces static fences with dynamic, adjustable arms that can be precisely positioned at predetermined angles. The arms incorporate adjustment mechanisms that allow for accurate angle setting and positioning, ensuring both ease of operation through clear alignment features and high precision in the final clamping orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional fence-based mechanical guidance system with an adjustable arm mechanism that combines ease of positioning with precision. The arms can be directly configured to the required angle and width, eliminating the need for separate fences and reducing orientation inaccuracies through integrated adjustment and clamping functions.
4Productivity
If clamping devices are designed to clamp multiple workpieces at predetermined angles, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses multiple independent arms that can be individually adjusted and positioned. Each arm functions as an independent clamping unit, allowing for simultaneous clamping of multiple workpieces at different angles and widths. This segmentation enables high productivity through parallel clamping operations while keeping each individual arm relatively simple in design.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping device having at least three jaws for clamping a plurality of elongated workpieces with the workpieces forming predetermined angles therebetween. Each of at least two jaws has clamping surfaces that are oriented to correspond to a respective angle. Each of the at least two jaws is connected to a first endportion of a respective arm. A holding element has the at least two arms pivotally movable mounted thereto such that the at least two jaws are movable between an open position for placing the clamping device and a clamping position for clamping the workpieces. An actuator is connected to the at least two arms for moving the at least two arms and for holding the at least two arms in the clamping position.