Cam Lock Vise for One-Handed Tilting and Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hand engraving vises require frequent unclamping and reclamping of objects to position them correctly, which can damage delicate items and is time-consuming, and existing locking mechanisms are cumbersome, requiring two hands to operate and prone to wear, leading to unpredictable tilting and lack of a tilt lock mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A rotating, positioning, and tilting vise with lever-operated cam locking mechanisms that utilize eccentric cams for easy one-handed operation, providing mechanical advantage for secure locking and unlocking without excessive resistance, and incorporating adjustable drag brakes for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional spring-loaded lever locking mechanisms are used, then the vise can be locked, but the mechanism requires two hands to operate and is prone to wear requiring repair shims
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into modular components: cam lobes with integrated locking surfaces, separate adjustable drag brakes, and independent positioning systems. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently and reduces wear on critical locking surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses dynamic cam profiles that convert rotational motion into locking force, allowing one-handed operation. The cam lobes are designed to engage and disengage smoothly during rotation, providing automatic locking without requiring two hands to manipulate separate components.
2Ease of operation
If eccentric cam locking mechanisms are used, then one-handed operation is enabled with mechanical advantage, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam locking function and drag brake adjustment are merged into integrated assemblies where the cam lobes work in conjunction with the drag brakes. This combination reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining one-handed operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam profiles are designed to automatically engage and lock the vise in the desired position during rotation, without requiring additional manual intervention. The mechanical advantage provided by the cam geometry enables the single hand to overcome friction and secure the locking position effortlessly.
3Stability of the object's composition
If adjustable drag brakes are incorporated, then stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drag brakes are positioned at specific locations where they most effectively influence the ball base stability. The braking force is applied locally at the cradle-base interface to prevent unintended tilting, while the rest of the vise remains simple and easy to operate.
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 precise and efficient positioning and tilting of objects with easy, one-handed locking and unlocking, reducing the risk of damage and time consumption, while maintaining stability and eliminating the need for repair shims due to wear.
Implementation Method 1
The locking mechanism utilizes an eccentric cam that is rotated to lock the tilting and rotating movements of the vise
Implementation Method 2
The mechanical advantage is that eccentric cams allow a lot of mechanical advantage and holding power without a lot of resistance for a user to lock and unlock the mechanisms
Implementation Method 3
adjustable drag brakes for stability
Data Source
AI summary
A locking positioning mechanism utilizing cam locks. The invention provides lever operated cam locking mechanisms for locking a rotating, tilting and positioning vise.