Front-Actuated Clip Holding Device with Locking Jaws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clip holding devices are cumbersome due to the need for backside activation, are excessively large, and require costly design compromises, limiting their usability and efficiency in fixture designs.
Innovation Solution
A clip holding and release device with locking jaws and a locking block that allows front-side activation, is compact, and features a design with springs and moving components for easy operation from the back or side, enabling secure and dimensionally stable clip handling without compromising adjacent components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional backside activation mechanism is used, then clip holding device achieves secure locking, but device size becomes excessively large and usability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional activation approach by enabling front-side activation instead of backside activation. The locking block is positioned to be accessible from the front, allowing operators to activate the locking mechanism from the same side they work on, eliminating the need for large backside components and improving usability while maintaining secure locking.
2Reliability
If backside activation mechanism is used, then clip holding device achieves secure locking, but operator convenience is reduced due to working from front side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reverses the activation side from backside to front-side, allowing operators to activate the locking mechanism from the front where they naturally work. This inversion eliminates the need to reach around or access the device from behind, significantly improving operator convenience while maintaining the secure locking function through the locking block and inclined surface mechanism.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional design is used, then clip holding device achieves dimensional stability, but adjacent components suffer from design compromises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the locking block and activation mechanism to optimize spatial arrangement within the device. By strategically placing the locking block with its inclined surface and positioning it relative to the jaw and shaft hole, the design achieves dimensional stability through a compact three-dimensional arrangement that eliminates the need for costly design compromises in adjacent fixture components.
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 device provides improved usability and reduced costs by allowing easy front-side closure and side or backside activation, maintaining dimensional stability and security while fitting within smaller fixture designs without encroaching on adjacent components.
Implementation Method 1
a jaw spring disposed in said jaw above said pivot pin to bias said jaw in an open position
Implementation Method 2
said locking block having an locking block inclined surface extending forwardly and inwardly from said locking block lower edge to said locking block top edge; said locking block inclined surface having substantially the same angle of incline as said jaw incline surface
Data Source
AI summary
A clip holding and release device to hold and secure parts for inspection by holding and releasing a clip feature on a component or assembly. The clip holding and release device may include jaws that have a jaw top portion that may be opened and closed by displacing locking block. A shaft may be displaced directly with a knob, or using a lever, or other method which displaces a locking block to move the jaws in an open and closed position. The jaw top portion may have different configurations depending on the shape or configuration of the part to be inspected. The jaws may also be closed from the front side by displacing the jaws toward each other.