Pull Action Clamp Thumb Actuated Latch Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hold down clamps require operators to compress a lever against the handle to unlock the latch, leading to hand discomfort, especially in repetitive tasks, and necessitate a robust and cost-effective design that allows for easier release without handle compression.
Innovation Solution
A hold down clamp with a latch design where the first and second legs are positioned over the handle, allowing the operator to unlock the clamp using their thumb, enabling the hand to remain on the handle while releasing, and utilizing a spring to lock the latch to the base when the thumb is removed, facilitating easier operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the latch lever is compressed against the handle to unlock, then the latch can be securely released, but the operator experiences hand discomfort in repetitive tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the thumb actuation function from the traditional lever compression mechanism. The latch leg is positioned to extend through the handle such that the operator's thumb can directly actuate it without compressing the lever against the handle, eliminating hand discomfort while maintaining reliable release
Solution Approach 2:
The latch leg acts as an intermediary element that translates thumb pressure into latch release. By positioning the latch leg to extend through the handle, it mediates between the operator's thumb and the latch mechanism, enabling easy operation without direct lever compression
2Ease of operation
If a robust lever with handle portion is used, then the operator can firmly grasp it for compression, but the lever becomes larger and more costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for a traditional lever with handle portion by allowing direct thumb actuation of the latch leg. This extraction of the lever's grasping function eliminates the requirement for a large, costly lever structure while maintaining operational ease
Solution Approach 2:
The latch leg is designed to be directly actuated by the operator's thumb without requiring a separate lever mechanism. The latch leg serves its own actuation function, eliminating the need for an additional lever component and simplifying the overall structure
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 the operator to release the clamp without compressing the handle, reducing hand discomfort and allowing for a smaller, lower-cost lever design, while maintaining secure locking and easy engagement/disengagement.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is used to lock the latch to a base of the clamp when the operator removes their thumb from the latch and the hold down clamp is in a holding position
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp (10) used for clamping a work piece to a fixture. The clamp includes a base (12,14) for mounting to the fixture and a handle having a body portion and an arm portion. The handle (40,42) includes a pivotal connection to the base. The clamp further includes a holding member (74) and a latch (52). The holding member (74) has a holding position for clamping the work piece to the fixture and a pivotal connection to the handle. The latch (52) includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is engaged with the base for locking the holding member (74) in the holding position and becomes disengaged from the base by moving the second end portion in a direction generally away from the arm portion of the handle. The latch (52) has a pivotal connection to the handle.