Clamping Tool Release Lever Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing clamping tools face issues with impaired functionality due to the locking slide being displaced into its pivot end position, leading to restricted rearward displacement of the push/pull rod, which limits the tool's effectiveness in both clamping and spreading operations.
Innovation Solution
The release lever pivots around different pivot points, changing lever ratios to facilitate easier release of the reverse pressure lock, allowing for a longer displacement path with less force, and the locking slide is designed to be displaced beyond the release position with a counter-stop, enabling maximum clamping zone extension and maintaining anti-return functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking slide is displaced into its pivot end position by actuating the release lever, then the push/pull rod can be displaced counter to the clamping direction, but the rearward displacement of the push/pull rod is restricted when it strikes the drive housing end stop
Solution Approach 1:
The release lever dynamically changes its pivot point during operation. Initially pivoting about a first pivot point to release the push-back blocking position with minimal force, then transitioning to a second pivot point to enable the locking slide to be displaced beyond the release position, maximizing the displacement path of the push/pull rod.
Solution Approach 2:
The release lever is designed to perform the push-back blocking release action first (preliminarily), before enabling the full displacement path. The counter-stop on the locking slide is preliminarily positioned to engage with the end stop, ensuring that when the lever pivots to the second pivot point, the maximum displacement path is achieved without restriction.
2Device complexity
If a single pivot point is used for the release lever, then the structure is simpler, but insufficient force reduction is achieved when releasing the push-back blocking position
Solution Approach 1:
The release lever transitions from a static single-pivot configuration to a dynamic multi-pivot configuration. The first pivot point is positioned to provide optimal mechanical advantage for releasing the push-back blocking position with minimal force, while the second pivot point enables subsequent displacement of the locking slide beyond the release position.
Solution Approach 2:
The release lever acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's input force and the locking slide. By changing pivot points, it mediates the force application in two stages: first reducing the force needed to release the block, then enabling full displacement path achievement.
3Length of stationary object
If the locking slide is constrained to move only within a limited range, then the structure is more compact, but the clamping zone extension is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The counter-stop on the locking slide is preliminarily positioned to engage with the end stop before the release lever is actuated. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the release lever pivots to its end position, the locking slide is forced beyond its normal release position, maximizing the clamping zone extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The counter-stop creates a preliminary constraint that prevents the locking slide from moving freely. This anti-action is intentionally designed to be overcome by the release lever's pivoting motion, which forces the locking slide beyond the release position and achieves maximum clamping zone extension.
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
This configuration allows for efficient operation of the clamping tool by requiring less force to release the push-back blocking position and enables the clamping jaws to move to their maximum remote position, ensuring effective clamping and spreading capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring (5) which acts on the blocking element (6) in the direction of the clamping direction (S)
Implementation Method 2
the release lever, during its pivoting movement from the push-back blocking position to its end position, rotates around pivot points which are at different distances from the point of application
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a clamp, having a drive housing (1) through which a tie rod (2) projects, which can be shifted into a clamping position (S) by means of an indexing mechanism (3, 4, 5) in such a way as to be locked against reverse pressure by a reverse-pressure lock (6, 7), wherein the reverse-pressure lock has a locking element which acts on the tie rod (2) in a reverse-pressure locking position and which, for releasing the reverse-pressure-locking effect, can be brought into a release position by pivoting a release lever (8), in which release position the tie rod (2) can be displaced against the clamping direction (S), and which locking element (6), by further pivoting of the release lever (8), can be shifted against the tension of a return spring (7) beyond the release position into an end position, from which the locking element (6) is shifted back by the spring (7), with the tie rod (2) being carried along, wherein the two-armed release lever (8) is pivotably mounted in the drive housing (1) about a fulcrum (9, 10) and has a power arm (8') and a load arm (8'') acting on the locking element (6) at an engagement point (11). In order to develop a tool of the type in question so as to be able to use it advantageously, it is proposed that that the release lever (8), during its pivoting movement from the reverse-pressure position into its end position, rotates about fulcrums (9, 10) which are at different distances from the engagement point (11).