Retrofitting Ball Vise with Positioning Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ball vises do not allow for precise positioning, leading to difficulties in engraving arcs and potential damage to delicate objects, as they require frequent unclamping and reclamping, which is time-consuming and risky, especially when using a microscope.
Innovation Solution
A method to convert a traditional ball vise into a positioning and rotating vise by adding a top positioning assembly that includes a sliding jaw support with a locking lever and t-nuts, allowing the vise to be retrofitted for precise positioning without the need for expensive new equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional ball vise is used, then the device complexity is low and cost is low, but positioning precision is poor and objects must be frequently unclamped and reclamped
Solution Approach 1:
The vise is divided into two functional modules: a traditional ball vise base and an additive positioning assembly. The positioning assembly includes a positioning block with T-slots and adjustable stops that can be independently configured without modifying the original ball vise structure, thus improving positioning precision while maintaining simplicity of the base unit.
Solution Approach 2:
A positioning block serves as an intermediary component between the ball vise jaws and the workpiece. This block provides T-slots for adjustable stop positioning and includes a clamping surface that interfaces with the workpiece, enabling precise positioning without requiring modifications to the original vise mechanism.
2Productivity
If a traditional ball vise is used, then manufacturing cost is low, but time consumption increases due to frequent unclamping and reclamping
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning stops are pre-configured on the positioning block at desired locations before clamping the workpiece. This preliminary positioning setup eliminates the need for repeated unclamping and reclamping operations, as the workpiece remains securely held at the correct position throughout the engraving process.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system allows dynamic adjustment of stop positions along the T-slots of the positioning block. Users can reposition stops without disassembling the vise, enabling quick adaptation to different workpiece positions while maintaining continuous clamping, thus reducing time loss.
3Reliability
If a traditional ball vise is used, then the device structure is simple, but reliability decreases due to risk of damaging delicate objects
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning block acts as a protective intermediary between the vise jaws and delicate workpieces. The adjustable stops provide controlled positioning points that prevent excessive clamping force on delicate areas, while the T-slot mechanism allows precise adjustment to accommodate various object geometries without damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning stops can be adjusted to change the clamping position and force distribution parameters. By modifying the stop positions along the T-slots, users can optimize clamping parameters for different delicate objects, improving reliability without complex device modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to converting a ball and socket style vise into a positioning vise. Jewelers and hand engravers and metal working artists utilize traditional ball vises for holding and spinning an object that is being worked on. The present invention provides a way to retrofit these traditional ball vises with a linear positioning top portion assembly.