Clamping Device Slanting Interface Force Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamping devices for heavy objects face challenges in distributing clamping force evenly, leading to potential damage and requiring large sizes, which limits their ability to handle heavy and fragile items like metal, granite, or ceramic plates effectively.

Innovation Solution

A clamping device employing slanting interfaces between jaw assemblies and a clamp bar, converting the weight of the object into a compression force through a high friction pad, allowing for compact design and even force distribution, and incorporating metal cores for enhanced durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rotatable clamping jaw is used to generate clamping force, then the clamping device can support multiple sizes of objects, but the focused force at the contact area may cause damage to heavy objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to support multiple sizes of objectsVSAvoiddamage to object from focused clamping force

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping jaw is divided into multiple segments or teeth that distribute the clamping force across multiple contact points on the object, rather than concentrating force at a single location. This segmentation allows the device to handle various object sizes while preventing damage through distributed force application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping jaw features localized cushioning elements or compliant materials at the contact surfaces, creating different mechanical properties in different regions. The contact areas have softer, more compliant characteristics to distribute force evenly, while the structural portions remain rigid for strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Force

If a gripping device with scissor arms is used to generate compression force, then the device can securely hold heavy objects, but the device size becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression force for holding heavy objectsVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from a planar scissor mechanism to a three-dimensional wedge-based structure. The wedge shape allows force multiplication in a compact vertical space, converting vertical motion into horizontal clamping force without requiring the extended arm lengths of traditional scissor mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional scissor linkage mechanism is replaced with a wedge-based mechanical advantage system. This substitution eliminates the need for long rotating arms and pivot points, achieving the same force multiplication effect in a more compact configuration suitable for heavy object handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Force

If a clamping device is designed to handle heavy objects, then the clamping force is sufficient, but the device cannot handle fragile objects without causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping force for heavy objectsVSAvoiddamage to fragile objects

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping jaw incorporates cushioning elements or compliant layers at the contact surfaces before the clamping action occurs. This pre-cushioning protects fragile objects from impact and concentrated stress, while the overall wedge structure maintains sufficient clamping force for heavy objects through distributed pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 enables the clamping device to securely lift and transfer heavy, fragile objects without damage, maintaining a compact size and ensuring even force distribution across the object's surface, suitable for materials like granite, glass, or ceramic plates.

Implementation Method 1

converting the weight of the object into a compression force through a high friction pad

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11345575B2Clamping device for lifting and transfer objects

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 NGUYEN HOA NHON

AI summary

A clamping device for lifting and transferring objects can employ slanting interfaces to convert a pulling action on the clamping device to a clamping action on the object. A pulling element in the form of a triangle can be disposed between a jaw and a jaw support of the clamping device. When the pulling element is pulled up, the base of the triangle shape pulling element can exert a force on the jaw against the jaw support, for securing a gripping action on the object.