In-line Clamp Wedge Mechanism for Flexible Rod Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-line clamps face limitations due to fixed dog hole spacing on worktables, leading to restricted placement options and flexing issues with long rods, which compromise the secure clamping of workpieces during operations like drilling.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a base with a ramp feature and a pusher mechanism secured by an adjustment mechanism, allowing for infinite placement options and reduced flexing through a wedge-shaped configuration that applies both lateral and downward forces, enhancing stability and grip on the workpiece.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a long rod is used to reach the workpiece, then placement flexibility is improved, but rod flexing increases causing workpiece lift-off
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp rod is segmented into multiple sections that can telescope relative to each other. This allows the rod to extend to long lengths for flexible placement while maintaining stability through the telescopic design that prevents excessive flexing of any single section.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp features an adjustable and telescopic rod design that transitions from a static long rod to a dynamic, adaptable structure. The rod can be extended or retracted based on the specific workpiece location, optimizing both reach and structural rigidity for each configuration.
2Device complexity
If dog holes are spaced four inches apart, then structural simplicity is maintained, but placement options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp rod is made adjustable and telescopic, allowing it to reach various distances from the dog hole location. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the clamp to access workpieces at different positions without requiring additional dog holes, thereby maintaining structural simplicity while greatly increasing placement flexibility.
3Force
If force is applied to the clamp, then clamping effectiveness is improved, but rod flexing increases raising the workpiece
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented telescopic rod design distributes applied clamping forces across multiple rigid sections rather than a single long flexible rod. This segmentation maintains structural stability under load while still allowing the necessary extension for various workpiece positions.
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
This configuration provides superior clamp forces with improved stability and flexibility, allowing the in-line clamp to be placed closer to the workpiece, reducing the likelihood of the clamp lifting the workpiece and enabling precise control over clamp force application.
Implementation Method 1
The ramp feature (210) is configured to provide an angled slide for the pusher (300)... a wedge-shaped configuration that applies both lateral and downward forces
Data Source
AI summary
An in-line clamp (100), including: a base (200) having a bottom (202) that defines a bottom plane (204) and a ramp feature (210); and a pusher (300) having a cooperating feature (304) and a contact ridge (314) disposed opposite the cooperating feature. Movement of the cooperating feature along the ramp feature moves the contact ridge downward toward the bottom plane and away from the base in a clamping direction (510). The clamping direction forms an acute clamping direction angle (514) with the bottom plane. An adjustment mechanism (500) is configured to apply a push force (322) on the pusher to move the contact ridge in the clamping direction. The push force is applied in a push force direction (322D) that forms an acute push force direction angle (508) with the bottom plane. The acute clamping direction angle is different than the acute push force direction angle.