Lever-Clamped Work Table for Fast Guide Bar Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional work tables in automatic processing systems require labor-intensive and time-consuming processes to fix and unlock guide bars, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for multiple components and tools.
Innovation Solution
A work table design featuring a baseplate, levers, a clamp plate, a lock mechanism with a locking member and spring member, and an unlocking mechanism with an operation member, allowing for tool-free and simultaneous fixing and releasing of guide bars without bolts, ensuring consistent locking force and reducing setup time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional positioning structure with timing belt and pulleys is used, then guide rods can be positioned, but number of components increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the timing belt and pulley components from the positioning system. Instead of using a complex timing belt mechanism with multiple pulleys and locking members, the invention uses a simplified lever-based mechanical linkage that directly positions the guide bars through geometric constraints, eliminating unnecessary components while maintaining positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by making the guide bars themselves movable along the levers rather than using a timing belt to move separate positioning components. The guide bars are directly engaged with the levers, and positioning is achieved through the lever mechanism's geometric constraints rather than through a belt-driven system
2Reliability
If adjustment screw and locking member are added to secure timing belt, then positioning is stable, but number of components increases and labor is required
Solution Approach 1:
The lever mechanism automatically maintains stable positioning through its geometric constraints and mechanical linkage. The system is self-sustaining, using the inherent mechanical properties of the lever and guide bar engagement to maintain position without requiring additional locking members, adjustment screws, or external tools for securing
3Reliability
If multiple bolts are used to fix guide bars, then positioning is secure, but labor and time are taken for tightening and loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning and fixing functions into a single integrated lever mechanism. Instead of using multiple separate bolts to secure guide bars, the lever system combines geometric constraint, mechanical engagement, and automatic locking into one unified mechanism that secures guide bars quickly without requiring multiple fastening operations
Solution Approach 2:
The lever mechanism provides dynamic positioning capability, allowing guide bars to be easily moved and repositioned by simply adjusting the lever position. The system transitions smoothly between locked and unlocked states through the mechanical linkage, enabling rapid setup changes without the time-consuming process of tightening and loosening multiple bolts
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 design enables quick and reliable locking and unlocking of guide bars, improving work efficiency by eliminating the need for industrial tools and reducing the complexity of the setup process, while maintaining a simple configuration and operation.
Implementation Method 1
The spring member pulls and urges the locking member downward on a back side of the baseplate
Data Source
AI summary
A work table includes a baseplate, a plurality of levers, a clamp plate, a lock mechanism, and an unlocking mechanism. The plurality of levers are disposed on a concentric circle on the baseplate. Guide bars protrude upward from the plurality of levers. The plurality of levers are each disposed to be movable in a radial direction of the circle. The clamp plate is placed on top surfaces of the levers. The clamp plate has elongated holes in the radial direction through which the guide bars penetrate. The lock mechanism urges the clamp plate downward such that the respective levers are fixed in a manner sandwiched between the baseplate and the clamp plate. The unlocking mechanism releases the fixing of the respective levers by the lock mechanism.