Door Panel Support Assembly with Automatic Swing Arm Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices for planar structures like doors are cumbersome and ineffective, often requiring manual assistance for clamping and removal, and do not utilize the weight of the structure for automatic operation.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly with a main base, fixed support structure, and pivoting swing arm assembly that automatically clamps a door in an upright position using its weight, allowing easy work on the door without additional tools, and automatically releases when the door is lifted, featuring rollers for safe positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual clamping devices are used to hold the door upright, then the door can be supported in position, but the device becomes cumbersome and requires manual assistance for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The door support assembly operates automatically using the weight of the door itself to trigger the clamping action. When the door is inserted vertically between the fixed support structure and swing arm, gravity causes the door to descend and engage the swing arm, which pivots to clamp the door securely. Removal is equally simple - lifting the door releases the clamp without requiring manual assistance or additional tools.
2Reliability
If conventional clamps are used to secure the door, then the door can be held upright, but additional hardware and manual assistance are required for clamping and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the need for separate clamping hardware, screws, bolts, or manual operation mechanisms. The clamping function is extracted and integrated directly into the swing arm assembly, which uses the door's own weight and gravitational force to automatically engage and secure the door. This reduces the device to its essential components: a base, fixed support structure, and movable swing arm.
3Extent of automation
If the door weight is used to activate clamping, then automatic operation is achieved, but the mechanism must handle variable door weights and positions
Solution Approach 1:
The swing arm is designed to pivot dynamically in response to the door's weight and position. As the door is inserted at different positions or weights, the swing arm automatically adjusts its angle and clamping force through gravitational action. The mechanism adapts to various door specifications without requiring manual adjustment, maintaining effective clamping across different scenarios.
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
Enables quick and easy securing of doors in an upright position for tasks like planing, milling, or installing hardware, without damaging the door or support assembly, and allows for tool-free operation and easy removal without manual assistance.
Implementation Method 1
the weight of the door or other structure causes the swing arm assembly to automatically clamp onto the door, holding it in an upright position
Implementation Method 2
positioning rollers which facilitates the automatic positioning of the door within the clamp during the automatic clamping action without causing damage to the door or the support assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A panel support assembly is presented herein. The panel support assembly includes a support base, a fixed support structure and a swing arm assembly. The fixed support structure extends from the support base and defines at least one vertical panel engaging surface. The swing arm assembly is pivotally attached to the base and is disposable between a normally biased, at least partially raised position and a lowered, clamped position. The swing arm assembly includes a base, a swing arm panel and a pivoting pressure plate. A biasing device is attached to the base of the swing arm assembly and is configured to normally bias the swing arm assembly into the at least partially raised position until an opposing weight is applied to the base of the swing arm assembly that will oppose the biasing force and automatically position the swing arm assembly into the lowered clamped position.