One-Handed Clamping Device with Latching Lever for Workpiece Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices for workpieces on processing machines are unreliable for fixing workpieces of different dimensions and require cumbersome manipulations, often failing to secure workpieces effectively.
Innovation Solution
A one-handed clamping device with a bearing web and latching mechanism, featuring a U-shaped receptacle with radial openings and latching projections, a tensioning lever with a handle and longitudinal struts, and a clamping jaw with a trapezoidal surface and rounded edge, allowing for quick and secure clamping of workpieces with varying dimensions and geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If screw clamps are used to fix workpieces, then workpieces can be secured on the workpiece carrier, but reliable positioning of workpieces with different dimensions is not guaranteed and requires cumbersome manual adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping lever is designed to be rotatable between a release position and a clamping position, enabling dynamic adjustment. The lever can be rotated by hand or with a tool to adapt to different workpiece sizes and geometries, providing both ease of operation and versatility without requiring multiple fixed-position clamps
Solution Approach 2:
The single clamping lever with adjustable positioning serves multiple functions: it can clamp workpieces of various dimensions, provide reliable positioning through the bearing web in different receptacles, and enable both manual and tool-assisted operation. This universal component replaces multiple specialized clamps
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile vises with adjustable clamping jaws are used, then workpieces with different dimensions can be clamped, but several steps by a user are necessary making the operation cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping lever is segmented into functional parts: a bearing web for positioning in receptacles, longitudinal struts for structural support, and a handle for operation. This segmentation allows the single lever to provide both adaptability through bearing web positioning and ease of operation through the handle design
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping lever enables self-service operation where the user can directly rotate and position the lever without needing to manually adjust separate clamping jaws or multiple components. The integrated design allows one-handed operation for both positioning and clamping actions
3Ease of operation
If the bearing web is detachably received in the receptacle without locking, then the clamping lever can be quickly removed, but the bearing web may unintentionally pop out during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is pre-configured in the receptacle with locking projections that engage with the bearing web when it is inserted. This preliminary setup ensures that once the bearing web is positioned, it is automatically locked and cannot unintentionally pop out during operation, while still allowing easy removal when needed
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 reliable and efficient clamping of workpieces with minimal user effort, providing high clamping forces and adaptability to different dimensions and geometries while reducing the risk of damage and improving handling and manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the locking element has at least two mutually facing locking projections that are arranged in the area of the radial opening. The interlocking locking protrusions prevent the bearing web from unintentionally popping out of a user-selected position.
Implementation Method 2
the bearing bridge and handle are each connected on both sides by a longitudinal strut. This results in a strong leverage effect when the clamping lever is pressed down towards the base or stop surface of the device.
Implementation Method 3
The trapezoidal shape of the clamping surface reduces surface pressure and thus prevents damage to the workpiece.
Implementation Method 4
the clamping jaw is at least partially hollow, with an angle between the clamping surface and the back surface being different from 0°. This results in a weight reduction of the device while maintaining virtually undiminished mechanical strength
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (40) for fixing a workpiece (24) which is to be machined by means of a corresponding machine (10), comprising at least one support element (44, 46) which forms a stop surface (54) and which can be secured to the machine (10) and which has at least one recess (56-62) in which a tensioning lever (66) provided with a chuck jaw (76) is received such that is can pivot, in order to clamp, at least in sections, the workpiece (24) which is placed counter to the stop surface (54) between the chuck jaw (76) and stop surface (54) by pivoting the tensioning lever (66) in the direction of the workpiece (24).