Spring-Actuated Lock Assembly for Bar Clamp Wear Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing lock mechanism for bar clamps experiences unreliable locking due to wear, causing the rod to enter or leave the through hole without force over time, compromising the locking function.
Innovation Solution
A spring-actuated lock assembly with inverted U-shaped lock members and projections engages with wing members to ensure secure locking, allowing disengagement by compressing the spring for unlocking, enhancing the reliability of the locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a sliding rod mechanism is used for locking, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the reliability deteriorates due to wear over time
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly is divided into multiple lock members (first lock member, second lock member, third lock member) that can independently engage with the slide bar. This segmentation allows the locking function to be distributed across multiple components, reducing the impact of wear on any single component and improving overall reliability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock members are designed to be movable relative to each other, allowing them to dynamically adjust and engage with the slide bar. The spring mechanism provides dynamic force to maintain engagement, compensating for wear over time and ensuring reliable locking without requiring complex manufacturing.
2Ease of operation
If a push button mechanism is used for unlocking, then the operation is easy, but the locking function becomes unreliable after prolonged use
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking function is segmented across multiple lock members that can be independently actuated. When the push button is pressed, it triggers a mechanism that can disengage any or all lock members, providing reliable unlocking even after prolonged use while maintaining ease of operation through the simple push button interface.
Solution Approach 2:
A spring mechanism acts as an intermediary between the push button and the lock members. The spring stores and releases energy to reliably disengage the lock members when activated, ensuring consistent unlocking performance over time while keeping the user interface simple and easy to operate.
3Device complexity
If a single lock member is used, then the device complexity is low, but the locking reliability deteriorates due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is divided into multiple independent lock members (first, second, and third lock members) that can engage with different portions of the slide bar. This segmentation increases reliability by distributing the locking function across multiple components, reducing the impact of wear on any single component, while keeping each individual lock member simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple lock members are combined within a single lock assembly that is actuated by a common mechanism. This merging allows the system to achieve high reliability through multiple engagement points while maintaining relatively low overall device complexity by sharing common components such as the spring mechanism and actuation system.
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
The solution provides a reliable and consistent locking mechanism that maintains the secure positioning of the slide bar and moveable jaw carrier, preventing unintended unlocking due to wear, thus ensuring the desired locking function is maintained.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-actuated lock assembly slidably mounted in the recess and having a longitudinal section of U
Data Source
AI summary
A bar clamp includes a handgrip; a fixed jaw carrier; a slide bar comprising two opposite wing members; a moveable jaw carrier and comprising a transverse channel, a trough extending from center of the channel to one end of the channel, a bottom recess, and two opposite stop members in the recess wherein the slide bar passes the channel with the wing members being stopped by the trough in a locked position; and a U-shaped spring-actuated lock assembly in the recess and comprising inverted U-shaped opposite first and second lock members being engaged with the wing members in the locked position, and first and second projections between the lock members and a bottom of the lock assembly and being engaged with the stop members in the locked position. Pushing the locking assembly until being stopped will disengage the lock members from the wing members.