Magnetic Work Piece Holder Assembly for Irregular Shapes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work piece holders struggle to securely hold odd, irregular, or complex-shaped objects while allowing hands-free operation, and existing solutions often require complex mechanisms or materials that are not versatile or cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A modular work piece holder system featuring a magnetic main body with pivotable work surface and interchangeable holding elements, including base holders and extenders, which utilize magnets and padding for secure attachment and adjustable grip, allowing customizable configurations for various work pieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional work piece holders are used to securely hold odd, irregular or complex shaped objects, then holding stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The work surface is divided into multiple independently movable segments that can be individually adjusted and locked. Each segment can be independently positioned to accommodate different work piece shapes and sizes, providing stable holding without requiring a complex overall mechanism. The segmentation allows simple individual components to work together to solve the stability problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic adjustable system. The work surface segments can be moved between locked and unlocked states, allowing the holder to adapt its configuration to different work pieces. This dynamic capability provides versatility and stability for various shapes without requiring multiple different holder designs.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed configuration work piece holders are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different work pieces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The holder incorporates movable work surface segments that can be adjusted to different positions and angles. This dynamic adjustment capability allows a single holder design to accommodate various work piece shapes, sizes, and orientations, providing high adaptability without requiring multiple different holder models or complex customization processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is designed with universal adaptability through its adjustable segments that can configure to hold different types of work pieces. The same basic holder structure serves multiple functions by adjusting segment positions, eliminating the need for specialized holders for each work piece type while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
3Reliability
If magnetic strength is increased to prevent dislodging, then holding reliability is improved, but risk of damage to work piece increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic force is applied locally at specific attachment points rather than uniformly across the entire work surface. This localized magnetic application provides strong holding reliability at critical points while avoiding excessive magnetic force on sensitive areas of the work piece, preventing damage while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates protective elements that cushion or buffer the magnetic force before it acts on the work piece. This beforehand cushioning prevents the full magnetic force from directly contacting and potentially damaging the work piece, while still maintaining sufficient holding reliability through the distributed magnetic attachment points.
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 system provides versatile, hands-free holding of diverse work pieces with adjustable pressure and protection, preventing damage and dislodging, and enabling efficient use of tools on complex shapes.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet on a bottom portion of the base holder for magnetically attaching the base holder to the magnetic work surface
Data Source
AI summary
A work piece holder assembly includes a main body member having a bottom member, sides and a pivoting work surface on a top portion thereof, wherein the work surface may be positioned in a closed position, or may be disposed in an open position at a desired angle. The work surface is preferably magnetic, and magnetic base holders may be placed onto the work surface in any desired configuration to hold a work piece in place. Extender elements may be removably attached to the base holders for additional support of the work piece. The base holders and extenders may be stored within the main body member when not in use.