Clamping Tool Wedge Mechanism for Adjustable Workpiece Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toggle clamps lack simplicity in construction and versatility in accommodating different workpiece heights, limiting their adjustability and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A clamping tool design featuring a rigid bridge element permanently connected to a wedge element, with an adjustment device allowing for adjustable clamping force across a wide range of workpiece heights, and a compact, one-handed operation mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional toggle clamp design is used, then the construction is relatively simple, but the adaptability to different workpiece heights is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge element is permanently connected to the first wedge element, forming a nested structure where the bridge element contains or integrates the wedge element. This nesting allows the clamping tool to accommodate different workpiece heights through the adjustable wedge mechanism while maintaining a compact and simple overall construction, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and construction complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge element is designed to be adjustable within the bridge element, allowing dynamic adaptation to different workpiece heights. The handle can be positioned at multiple angles to adjust the clamping force and height accommodation, providing versatility without requiring a completely complex reconfigurable structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used to achieve adjustment capability, then the adaptability improves, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge element and first wedge element are permanently connected as an integrated assembly, reducing the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This merging maintains the adjustment capability through the wedge mechanism while significantly improving ease of manufacture by reducing part count and assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge element serves multiple functions: it provides the structural framework, houses the adjustable wedge element, and enables height adaptation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining adaptability.
3Ease of manufacture
If a rigid one-piece bridge element is used, then the ease of manufacture improves, but the adjustability may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
While the bridge element itself is a rigid one-piece structure for manufacturing simplicity, it contains an internally adjustable wedge element that can be positioned at different heights and angles. This segmentation within the rigid structure allows clamping force adjustment and height adaptation without compromising the ease of manufacture of the overall bridge assembly.
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 design enables easy manufacturing, wide variation in clamping capabilities, and consistent clamping force across different workpiece heights, facilitating one-handed operation and adjustable clamping force.
Implementation Method 1
a first wedge element (60) having a first wedge surface (68), said first wedge element (60) being linearly guided on a guide (58), and a second wedge element (74) having a second wedge surface (80) facing towards the first wedge surface (68)
Implementation Method 2
a clamping arm (20) articulated to the base (12) for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis (18), a handle (40) articulated to the clamping arm (20) or the base (12) for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis (38)
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping tool is provided which includes a base, a clamping arm articulated to the base for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis, a handle articulated to the clamping arm or base for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis, a bridge element articulated to the handle or the clamping arm for pivotal movement about a third pivot axis, a first wedge element having a first wedge surface, and a second wedge element having a second wedge surface facing towards the first wedge surface. In a first positional range of the handle, the wedge surfaces are spaced apart. In a second positional range of the handle, the second wedge surface is supported on the first wedge surface, displacement of the first wedge element driving a displacement of the second wedge element. The bridge element is articulated to the first wedge element for pivotal movement about a fourth pivot axis.