Die Cast Magnetic Pad With Protrusions For Clamping Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamping tools face difficulties in efficiently aligning with metal work objects like pipes due to the lack of effective guiding mechanisms and the need for mounting screws, which complicates attachment and detachment processes.

Innovation Solution

A die-cast magnetic pad with a ring-shaped permanent magnet and evenly spaced protrusions facilitates easy alignment and attachment of clamping tools to metal work objects without the use of screws, utilizing magnetic attraction and the shape of protrusions for quick snap-on and snap-off functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mounting screws are used to attach clamping tools to work objects, then the attachment is secure and reliable, but the attachment and detachment process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidattachment and detachment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical screw-based attachment system with a magnetic attachment system. The magnetic pad uses permanent magnets to provide secure attachment to metal work objects, while the protrusions guide alignment. This substitution eliminates the need for screws, allowing for quick snap-on and snap-off operations without sacrificing attachment reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the attachment mechanism from mechanical (screws) to magnetic field-based interaction. By utilizing magnetic attraction forces, the system achieves both secure attachment and rapid detachment. The magnetic force can be easily engaged and disengaged by simple approach and separation movements, dramatically reducing the time required for attachment and detachment operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If traditional clamping tools are used without guiding mechanisms, then the device structure remains simple, but the alignment with metal work objects becomes difficult and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment easeVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces protrusions as intermediary guiding elements that facilitate alignment between the clamping tool and metal work objects. These protrusions act as mechanical guides that physically direct the tool into proper alignment during the attachment process. The protrusions work in conjunction with the magnetic attraction to achieve precise and efficient alignment without requiring complex alignment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If a magnetic attachment system is implemented, then the attachment and detachment process becomes quick and easy, but the alignment precision may be compromised without additional guiding features

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation speedVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two functional elements into a single integrated magnetic pad: the magnetic attachment mechanism and the alignment guiding features. The protrusions are formed as integral parts of the magnetic pad structure, combining the alignment function with the attachment function. This integration allows the tool to achieve both quick magnetic attachment and precise alignment through a single unified component, maximizing productivity without sacrificing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 effortless alignment and secure attachment of clamping tools to metal work objects, enhancing operational efficiency by eliminating the need for screws and ensuring easy detachment, while maintaining surface integrity with a soft material like aluminum.

Implementation Method 1

A ring-shaped permanent magnet is embedded in the central portion of said top surface... the use of a magnet embedded in the pad, giving it the natural 'clicking to attach' attribute of the magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10307894B1Die cast magnetic pad
Publication Date: 2019.06.04 WONG HARRY
  • US10307894B1 patent drawing
  • US10307894B1 patent drawing
  • US10307894B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Present invention teaches a magnetic pad to work with clamping tools where the magnet and protrusions on the top surface provide for easy aligning and connection from the clamping tool to the pad, relying primarily on the use of a ring-shaped magnet embedded in the top surface. The bottom surface provides flexible holding surface upon work pieces with two grooves of different sizes. The pad materials can be made from soft metals to eliminate marring the surface of work pieces.