One-Handed Clamp With Spaced Actuation And Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamps require two hands for operation, limiting user convenience and efficiency when clamping workpieces.
Innovation Solution
A clamp design featuring an actuation device spaced from the spindle, connected via a transmission device that allows for one-handed operation by enabling signal and force transmission, including torque, to control the spindle's displacement, with a compact structure and integrated components for protection and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the actuation device is integrated directly with the spindle, then the structure is compact, but two hands are required for operation
Solution Approach 1:
A transmission device is introduced as an intermediary between the actuation device and the spindle. This transmission device includes a first element connected to the actuation device, a second element connected to the spindle, and a transmission mechanism (such as a belt, chain, or gear) that couples these elements together, enabling one-handed operation while managing the added structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is divided into functionally independent modules: the actuation device for operator input, the transmission device for force/torque transfer, and the spindle for clamping action. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall control mechanism for one-handed operation
2Ease of operation
If the actuation device is spaced from the spindle, then one-handed operation is enabled, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission device is arranged in a spatial configuration that efficiently bridges the distance between the actuation device and spindle. By utilizing three-dimensional space and angular arrangements (such as V-belts or angled gears), the system accommodates the necessary separation distance without excessive structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits force/torque from the actuation device to the spindle, accommodates the spacing requirement for one-handed operation, and can be integrated into the housing structure to minimize overall device dimensions
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 simple, one-handed operation of the clamp, allowing the operator to hold the clamp with one hand and manage workpieces with the other, while ensuring a stable and efficient clamping mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
the actuation device provides signals which are transmitted from the transmission device to the force application device. These signals are then control signals for the force application device for displacement of the spindle. In the case of a (mechanical) connection such that forces and in particular torque can be transmitted, mechanical forces are transmitted from the actuation device to the force application device by the transmission device
Implementation Method 2
at least one spindle, which is arranged on the sliding jaw so as to be displaceable and on which there is arranged or formed a pressure piece
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp, comprising a guide rail, a fixed jaw, which is arranged on the guide rail, a sliding jaw, which is displaceable on the guide rail, and at least one spindle, which is arranged displaceably on the sliding jaw and on which there is arranged or formed a pressure piece, with an actuation device, which is spaced from the at least one spindle and which actuable by an operator in order to control a displacement movement of the at least one spindle, with a force application device, which acts on the at least one spindle and by means of which a displacement movement of the at least one spindle is achievable, and with a transmission device, which connects the actuation device and the force application device.