Clamp Lever Cam Mechanism Tolerance Accommodation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamping mechanisms are ineffective due to lack of forgiveness for manufacturing tolerances, leading to insecure clamping and maintenance issues, as they are not designed to accommodate a range of design tolerances and can result in the loss of components.

Innovation Solution

A clamp design featuring a rotatable lever with a cam mechanism that securely couples and uncouples members using a plunger, incorporating a resilient member to accommodate varying tolerances and prevent component loss, with optional features like bearings for increased torque and a lock mechanism for heavy-duty applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a pressing block is loosely fitted in a window between pivot sections to allow movement, then the mechanism can accommodate some tolerance variation, but the pressing block can fall out and become lost, and the clamping is not secure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetolerance accommodationVSAvoidcomponent retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The window is divided into a movable portion and a fixed portion, with the pressing block selectively movable between them. This segmentation allows the pressing block to be retained securely in the fixed portion while still being movable in the movable portion to accommodate tolerance variations in the clamped members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient pressing block acts as an intermediary between the lever mechanism and the clamped members. It provides a controlled interface that allows for tolerance accommodation through its resilience while maintaining secure retention through its engagement with both movable and fixed window portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a pressing block is securely retained to prevent loss, then component retention is improved, but the mechanism cannot accommodate manufacturing tolerances in clamped parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent retentionVSAvoidtolerance accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The window is segmented into movable and fixed portions, allowing the pressing block to have different degrees of freedom in different regions. This enables secure retention in the fixed portion while maintaining tolerance accommodation capability through movement in the movable portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing block transitions from a static, fully retained configuration to a dynamic system where it can move selectively between movable and fixed window portions. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt to tolerance variations while maintaining secure retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a pressing lever and pressing block are used to clamp members, then the clamping mechanism is simple, but it does not securely uncouple the members when the lever is moved to the open position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanism simplicityVSAvoiduncoupling security

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The window is segmented into movable and fixed portions that work together to control the pressing block. When the lever is moved to the open position, the pressing block is guided to move into the fixed portion of the window, ensuring secure uncoupling while maintaining simple mechanism design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If the pressing block is free to engage with the inner tube after the lever is moved open, then the mechanism is simple to operate, but the tubes are not securely uncoupled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoiduncoupling security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The window segmentation into movable and fixed portions provides a controlled path for the pressing block. When the lever is opened, the pressing block naturally moves into the fixed portion due to the geometric configuration, ensuring secure uncoupling without requiring complex additional mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 clamp design provides secure and easy operation, accommodating a wider range of design tolerances, reducing maintenance and ensuring reliable coupling and uncoupling of members, even under counteracting forces.

Implementation Method 1

The lever comprises a handle and a cam that rotate together about a rotational axis. Rotation of the lever about the axis in a first direction cams the plunger towards the second member to couple the first and second members together

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 2

incorporating a resilient member to accommodate varying tolerances

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8702339B2Clamp

Publication Date: 2014.04.22 MANIC NOMAD

AI summary

A clamp is for clamping a first member to a second member. The clamp comprises a lever that is rotatably coupled to the first member and a plunger. The lever comprises a handle and a cam that rotate together about a rotational axis. Rotation of the lever about the axis in a first direction cams the plunger towards the second member to couple the first and second members together and wherein rotation of the lever about the axis in a second, opposite direction cams the plunger away from the second member to uncouple the first and second members from each other.