Centering Clamp with Dual-Surface Jaws and Bidirectional Threads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centering clamps for machine tables have limited clamping paths due to single clamping surfaces on clamping jaws, require complex assembly and disassembly, and suffer from instability and weight due to multiple parts and threads, leading to logistical challenges and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The centering clamp features dual-purpose clamping jaws with vertical and stepped surfaces, bidirectional internal threads on carriages, and molded slot nuts for enhanced stability and versatility, allowing for adjustable spans without additional parts and reducing material usage and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single clamping surfaces are used on clamping jaws, then the structure is simple, but the clamping path is very limited
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping jaw is designed with multiple clamping surfaces (first clamping surface for external workpieces, second clamping surface for internal workpieces) that can be selectively used. This multi-functional design allows the same clamping jaw to handle different workpiece types and extend the clamping path without requiring additional specialized components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pairs of clamping jaws with different designs are used, then various clamping tasks can be fulfilled, but the device complexity and logistics become very complex
Solution Approach 1:
A single pair of clamping jaws incorporates both first and second clamping surfaces that can accommodate different workpiece types. The clamping jaw can be rotated or repositioned to use either surface, providing universal clamping capability for both external and internal workpieces without requiring multiple specialized jaw pairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple clamping functions into a single integrated clamping jaw structure. Instead of having separate jaws for different clamping scenarios, the design merges external clamping surface, internal clamping surface, and positioning features into one component, reducing the total number of parts needed.
3Device complexity
If slides are equipped with only right-hand or left-hand thread, then the assembly is simple, but the versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The slide is designed with both right-hand and left-hand threaded holes, allowing it to accommodate threaded spindles with either hand of thread. This universal thread configuration enables the same slide to work with different spindle types and achieve both smaller and larger spans without requiring different slide components.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional fastening means are used, then assembly is straightforward, but the number of parts and logistics complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the fastening function directly into the slide structure through molded-in slot nuts that are formed as an integral part of the slide body. This eliminates the need for separate fastening components and reduces the total part count while maintaining assembly simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot nuts are strategically positioned and molded directly into the slide at the locations where fastening is needed. This localized integration of fastening features reduces the overall number of fastening parts required in the system while maintaining ease of assembly.
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
This design provides increased stability, reduced weight, simplified logistics, and cost savings by enabling flexible use with fewer parts and lighter materials, while minimizing the risk of jamming and material wear, thus enhancing precision and ease of handling.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded spindle which is rotatably mounted about its longitudinal axis and which has a right-hand external thread in a first axial area and a left-hand external thread in a second axial area... Axial movement of the slide with clamping jaws towards or away from each other
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The clamp has clamping jaws (8, 9) formed at carriages (6, 7). Each jaw has a vertical clamping surface on one side for a smaller span length and an opposite cascaded clamping surface for a larger span length. Each carriage has a left- and right-hand internal screw thread utilized from both sides, and is screwable by 180 degrees rotation on same side of a threaded spindle (2) upon left- and right-hand external screw threads (3, 4). The smaller and larger span lengths are provided without the projection of the carriages and jaws over a base body (1) that is made of steel, aluminum or plastic.