Clamping Device Angled Pivot Mechanism Wedging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cup holders fail to maintain maximum clamping height and prevent narrow objects from becoming wedged, leading to unstable fixation and potential wedging issues.

Innovation Solution

A clamping device with a pivotally mounted compensating element, oriented at two angled axes, featuring a funnel-shaped recess for rotational freedom, ensures the compensating element pivots laterally and downwards upon object insertion, maintaining maximum clamping height and preventing wedging by providing stable fixation through spring-loading and adjustable bearing configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single-axis pivoting compensating element is used, then the device structure is simple, but the clamping height cannot be maintained at maximum and narrow objects may become wedged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompensating element mounting structureVSAvoidobject fixation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The compensating element is mounted to pivot about two axes oriented at an angle to one another instead of a single axis. This dual-axis configuration enables the element to pivot laterally out of the insertion opening while simultaneously pivoting downwards in the insertion direction, maintaining maximum clamping height and preventing narrow objects from becoming wedged between the compensating element and the receptacle wall.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the compensating element pivots only in one direction, then the mechanism is simple, but it cannot adapt to objects of varying sizes and shapes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepivoting mechanismVSAvoidobject size and shape accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By introducing a second pivot axis oriented at an angle to the first axis, the compensating element gains the ability to move in two different directions. This allows the element to first pivot laterally to accommodate objects of different widths, then pivot downwards to maintain optimal clamping height, thereby adapting to various object sizes and shapes while preserving a relatively simple mechanical structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The dual-axis pivoting mechanism allows the compensating element to dynamically adjust its position in response to inserted objects. The element can pivot laterally and downwards in a coordinated manner, providing adaptive clamping that responds to the dimensions and shape of different objects while maintaining stable fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the compensating element is mounted with limited rotational freedom, then the bearing structure is simple, but the element cannot achieve optimal clamping position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebearing structureVSAvoidclamping height precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing structure is designed to support pivoting about two axes oriented at an angle to one another, providing the compensating element with rotational freedom in two directions. This enables the element to achieve the optimal clamping position by pivoting laterally and downwards, ensuring precise maximum clamping height while maintaining a relatively simple bearing configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution ensures secure object fixation while preventing wedging, maintaining maximum clamping height and ensuring stable object retention through the compensating element's angled pivot mechanism and spring-loading, which adapts to various object sizes and shapes.

Implementation Method 1

the compensating element is mounted pivotably about two axes oriented at an angle to one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting mechanism: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

which is prestressed in the direction of the object to be held

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring loading: Spring

Implementation Method 3

the compensating element having a funnel-shaped recess as a receptacle for a bearing pin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFunnel-shaped recess for bearing: Funnel

Data Source

PatentEP2394847B1Clamping device
Publication Date: 2014.05.21 MINDA KTSN PLASTIC SOLUTIONS
  • EP2394847B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2394847B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2394847B1 patent drawingFigure 2c

AI summary

The device has an insertion opening (25) lying opposite to a base surface, and a pivotally mounted compensating element (20) preloaded in a direction on an article (10) to be retained. The object is extended to the insertion opening, and the compensating element is pivotally mounted about the axles (30, 40) that are oriented at an angle to each other. The compensating element is spring-loaded about the axles, where one of the axles is vertically or horizontally oriented. The compensating element includes a funnel-shaped recess that is formed as a receiver for a bearing pin.