Clamp With Dual-Mode Actuator For Rapid Jaw Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bench vises require repetitive and time-consuming incremental movements to position the jaws for clamping and releasing workpieces, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A clamp design featuring a bar with a movable jaw and a dual-mode actuator system, including drive plates and lock plates, that allows for quick clamping and easy release through a lever-operated mechanism, providing high mechanical advantage and simplified operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional bench vise with incremental bar advancement is used, then the jaw can be positioned securely, but the operation becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic actuator system that can switch between driving mode (for rapid jaw advancement) and locking mode (for secure positioning). This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize between speed during positioning and stability during clamping, eliminating the time-consuming incremental adjustments of traditional vises while maintaining secure jaw positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is divided into distinct functional components: drive plates for rapid movement, lock plates for securing position, and a lever arm for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function - the drive plates enable quick positioning while the lock plates maintain secure clamping - thereby resolving the contradiction between operational ease and time consumption.
2Measurement precision
If incremental bar advancement is used to position the jaw, then precise positioning is achieved, but the process requires repeated user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator enables continuous jaw advancement through the drive plates mechanism, eliminating the need for repeated stop-and-adjust operations. The jaw can be moved continuously along the bar in driving mode until the desired position is reached, then locked in place. This continuous action maintains positioning precision while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating repeated user interventions.
3Device complexity
If a simple lever mechanism is used, then the device remains simple, but it cannot provide both rapid movement and secure locking
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator mechanism serves multiple functions through its dual-mode operation: in driving mode, it provides rapid jaw advancement for quick positioning; in locking mode, it secures the jaw at the desired position. This multi-functionality is achieved within a relatively simple lever-based framework, allowing the system to deliver high productivity without excessive complexity. The same basic lever mechanism enables both fast movement and secure locking through the coordinated action of drive and lock plates.
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 rapid and secure clamping of workpieces with reduced user effort, allowing for quick closing and easy release modes, enhancing productivity in tasks like sanding, cutting, and gluing.
Implementation Method 1
providing high mechanical advantage and simplified operation
Implementation Method 2
the actuator includes a lever arm
Implementation Method 3
the lock plates pivot around a pin workpiece
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
Embodiments generally relate to a clamp. In one embodiment, the clamp includes a bar, and a first jaw, movable along the bar and positioned on a first side of the bar. The clamp also includes a second jaw positioned on the bar on a second side of the bar, opposite the first side. The clamp also includes an actuator for moving the first jaw toward the second jaw for clamping one or more workpieces, and the actuator includes one or more drive plates operatively coupled to the bar when the first jaw is in a driving mode.