Edge Pressure Rollers for Large Workpiece Clamping
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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 either too small or not designed to support such applications effectively.
Innovation Solution
A clamping apparatus comprising a frame, rollers, a rotation-control member, and biasing members that allow for the application of pressure to the edge surface of a workpiece by rotating and translating rollers to conformally contact the edge, with adjustable pressure levels and one-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional hand-held clamps are used, then they are simple to operate, but they are not suitable for applying edge pressure to large workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs rollers that can rotate about pivot axes and translate along the first axis, allowing the clamping mechanism to dynamically adapt to different workpiece sizes and shapes. This dynamic configuration enables the same apparatus to effectively clamp both small and large workpieces, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability to large workpieces.
2Stress or pressure
If a specialized clamping apparatus is used, then pressure can be applied to edge surfaces, but the workpiece must be supported by the apparatus which limits its applicability to large workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The rollers act as intermediary elements between the clamping force and the workpiece edge surface. By introducing these rolling elements, the apparatus can apply pressure to the edge surface without requiring direct support of the entire workpiece by the apparatus structure, thereby enabling effective clamping of large workpieces that exceed the apparatus support capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ability of rollers to rotate and translate provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the clamping apparatus to maintain effective pressure application on edge surfaces regardless of the overall size of the workpiece, thus resolving the contradiction between pressure application capability and applicability to large workpieces.
3Manufacturing precision
If pressure is applied uniformly using a biasing member, then conformal contact is achieved, but the apparatus structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member changes the physical parameter of the contact surface by providing conformal contact that adapts to the workpiece edge geometry. This parameter change enables uniform pressure distribution across the contact interface without requiring complex multi-component structures, as the biasing member's elastic or resilient properties naturally accommodate surface variations.
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, ensuring secure retention and adjustable pressure levels through the use of rollers and biasing members, suitable for one-handed operation.
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
When the rotation-control member is at a second location relative to the frame, the first roller and the second roller are rotationally fixed relative to the frame, creating a frictional coupling between the apparatus and the workpiece
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 and are rotatable relative to the frame. At least one of the first roller or the second roller is translatable relative to the frame along a first axis. 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.