Lockable Tool Clamp With Pivot-Blocking Pin for Secure Tool Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool clamp structures fail to prevent unintentional opening and ejection of tool holders due to external forces, posing safety risks during machining operations.
Innovation Solution
A lockable tool clamp mechanism featuring two jaw members and a pin that pivots between unlocking and locking positions, allowing secure clamping of tool holders only when the pin is in the locking position, preventing unintentional release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing tool clamp structures (propping pins, returning members, retaining blocks) are used to hold tool holder in position, then the tool holder can be clamped and held in position, but the tool clamp cannot prevent unintentional opening or ejection due to external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The tool clamp is divided into two independent jaw members (first and second jaw members) that can pivot relative to each other, with each jaw member having its own connecting portion. This segmentation allows the clamp to provide secure holding while enabling controlled opening through the pivoting mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin is pre-configured in a blocking position where it protrudes to block the connecting portions from pivoting relative to each other. This preliminary blocking action prevents unintentional opening or ejection before any external force is applied, and only allows opening when the pin is deliberately moved to the unblocking position.
2Reliability
If the pin blocks the connecting portions from pivoting, then the tool holder is securely clamped and cannot be accidentally ejected, but the tool holder cannot be opened for replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is designed to be movable between two positions: a blocking position where it prevents pivoting and secures the tool holder, and an unblocking position where it allows pivoting for opening and replacement. This dynamic positioning capability enables the system to switch between secure clamping and easy operation modes as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin acts as an intermediary element between the jaw members, controlling their relative movement. When the pin is in the blocking position, it mediates to prevent opening; when moved to the unblocking position, it mediates to allow opening. This intermediary mechanism provides controlled access to tool holder replacement while maintaining security during operation.
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
Ensures the tool holder remains securely clamped even under unexpected forces, preventing unintentional ejection and ensuring safe operation by restricting jaw member pivoting when the pin is in the locking position.
Implementation Method 1
the pin is in a blocking position, the pin restricts the two jaw members from pivoting with respect to each other
Implementation Method 2
a first spring member is received in the first recess and pushes the pin toward the blocking position
Implementation Method 3
a second spring member is received in the second recess and pushes the button toward the initial position
Data Source
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AI summary
A lockable tool clamp (100) includes two jaw members (10) and a pin (20) together installed on a mount (200) to clamp a tool holder (300) securely. The jaw members (10) each have a connecting portion (11) and a jaw tip (12). The two connecting portions (11) are overlapped and connected to the mount (200) through a shaft (13). The pin (20) when installed on the mount (200) is parallel to the shaft (13), and passes through the two jaw members (10) at a location different from where the shaft (13) passes through the two jaw members (10). When the pin (20) is in its unlocking position (PI), the jaw members (10) are allowed to pivot with respect to each other, so that the tool holder (300) can be withdrawn or replaced by pushing the jaw tips (12) apart. When the pin (20) is in its locking position (P2), the jaw members (10) are restricted from pivoting with respect to each other. At this time, the tool holder (300) is clamped between the jaw tips (12) securely.