Log Holding Device with Offset Jaws and Pivot Clamp

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional holding devices for cutting logs are unstable and require frequent repositioning, making the cutting process dangerous and inefficient, and are also cumbersome for transportation due to their design.

Innovation Solution

A holding device with a first and second holding member, where the second lower jaw forms a clamp mechanism with the upper jaw to prevent twisting and rolling, and is movably connected to allow adjustment and secure the workpiece, featuring a sliding rail and pivot point for adaptable positioning and a stand for support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a traditional holding device with V-shaped members at both ends is used, then the device structure is simple, but the workpiece stability is poor and frequent repositioning is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkpiece stabilityVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device is divided into multiple functional segments: a first holding member with V-shaped members for initial positioning, a second holding member with a clamp mechanism for securing, and a stand for support. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, improving overall workpiece stability while keeping individual components relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple holding functions into a single integrated device. The first holding member provides initial positioning, the second holding member with clamp mechanism provides secure fixation, and the stand provides support - all working together to stabilize the workpiece throughout the cutting process, eliminating the need for frequent repositioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Stability of the object's composition

If sufficient space is provided between V-shaped members to ensure stability, then the workpiece stability is improved, but the device portability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkpiece stabilityVSAvoiddevice portability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The second holding member with the clamp mechanism is designed to be movable relative to the first holding member. This dynamic design allows the device to adapt to different workpiece sizes and shapes, providing stable holding without requiring excessive fixed space between V-shaped members, thereby improving portability while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp mechanism allows adjustment of the holding parameters (distance between holding members, gripping force) to match different workpiece dimensions. This flexibility enables stable holding of various workpiece sizes without requiring a fixed, space-consuming structure, enhancing both stability and portability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If a clamp mechanism with movable second lower jaw is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkpiece securing easeVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element between the first and second holding members incorporates a pivot point, allowing rotational movement. This simple curved/rotational mechanism enables easy adjustment and securing of the workpiece without complex locking systems, improving ease of operation while adding minimal structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP4424482A1Holding device
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 CMC SWEDEN AB
  • EP4424482A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4424482A1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP4424482A1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

The present invention relates to a holding device (1) for holding a substantially elongated workpiece (2) having a longitudinal extension, the holding device (1) comprising: a first holding member (23) comprising an upper jaw (4) and a first lower jaw (5), each of the upper jaw (4) and the first lower jaw (5) having a gripping surface (3) arranged to be in contact with the workpiece (2), the upper jaw (4) and the first lower jaw (5) being offset relative a transverse axis (8) being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the workpiece (2), such that the upper jaw (4) and the first lower jaw (5) are arranged at a distance from each other along the longitudinal extension of the workpiece (2), and wherein the holding device (1) further comprises a second holding member (22) comprising a second lower jaw (6) having a gripping surface (3) arranged to be in contact with the workpiece (2), wherein the second lower jaw (6) is substantially aligned with the upper jaw (4) of the first holding member (23) relative the transverse axis.