Edge Pressure Roller Clamp for Large Workpiece Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamping apparatuses are inadequate for applying pressure to the edge surfaces of large workpieces, as they are not designed to support such sizes and often require external support, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a frame, rollers, a rotation-control member, and biasing members that allows for one-handed operation by rotating and fixing rollers relative to the frame, applying pressure uniformly to the edge surface while being supported by the workpiece, with adjustable pressure levels based on compression and protrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional clamping apparatus are used to apply pressure to edge surfaces, then pressure can be applied to small workpieces, but they cannot support large workpieces and require external support
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed to be self-supporting through frictional coupling between the rollers and the workpiece. The weight of the apparatus is transferred to the workpiece via friction, eliminating the need for external support structures. This allows the apparatus to adapt to large workpieces while maintaining operational simplicity through automatic self-positioning and support.
2Volume of moving object
If hand-held clamps are used to apply edge pressure, then portability is achieved, but they are not suitable for large workpieces due to design limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs rotatable rollers that can dynamically adjust to the workpiece surface. The rollers are mounted on pivots allowing them to rotate and conform to the edge surface geometry, enabling effective pressure application on large workpieces while maintaining the structural integrity needed for strong clamping force.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus combines multiple functions into a single device: the frame provides structural support, the rollers apply pressure and enable movement, the biasing members provide compressive force, and the rotation-control member manages roller rotation. This integration allows the apparatus to handle large workpieces with sufficient pressure capability.
3Ease of operation
If rollers are made rotatable to allow workpiece insertion, then ease of installation is improved, but pressure maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rollers are designed to be rotatable during installation to facilitate workpiece insertion, then fixed in position once installed. The rotation-control member enables this dynamic transition from rotatable to fixed state, ensuring both easy installation and reliable pressure retention during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is pre-configured with rollers in a rotatable state for easy installation. Once the workpiece is inserted and the apparatus is positioned, the rollers are then fixed to maintain pressure. This preliminary rotatable configuration simplifies installation while the subsequent fixing action ensures pressure retention.
4Stability of the object's composition
If external support is used to support large workpieces, then stability is improved, but device complexity and setup effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus uses its own weight and the frictional coupling between rollers and workpiece to achieve stability without external support structures. The frictional force transfers the apparatus weight to the workpiece, providing stable support for large workpieces while keeping the apparatus structure relatively simple.
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 efficient and uniform pressure application to large workpieces with minimal effort, allowing for easy installation and removal, and maintaining pressure without external support through frictional coupling.
Implementation Method 1
The first biasing member is configured to operate in compression along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis, to the first pivot axis, and to the second pivot axis
Implementation Method 2
creating a frictional coupling between the apparatus and the workpiece, which maintains the pressure, applied to at least the portion of the edge surface by the first biasing member
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for applying pressure to at least a portion of an edge surface, which bridges opposing faces of a workpiece, comprises a frame, a first roller, a second roller, a rotation-control member, a first biasing member, and a second biasing member. The first roller and the second roller are coupled to the frame, are rotatable relative to the frame, and are translationally fixed relative to the frame. The rotation-control member is movable relative to the frame, controlling rotation of the first roller and the second roller relative to the frame. The first biasing member is configured to operate in compression along a second axis. The second biasing member is positioned, in compression, between the frame and the rotation-control member.