Miter Clamp Assembly With Side Lever for Flexible Surface Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional miter clamp tools are heavy, limiting their adaptability and flexibility due to metal construction and the placement of the actuating member on the top portion, restricting their use in various construction applications.
Innovation Solution
A miter clamp tool assembly with a base, clamp members, and a lever mechanism that allows for secure workpiece alignment and clamping, featuring a spring-biased plate and screws for versatile attachment, and a top member that encloses the lever for improved flexibility and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional miter clamp tools are made of metal with brass parts, then strength and durability are improved, but weight increases reducing adaptability and flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction by combining metal components (base, clamp members) with polymer components (top member, plates, lever). This composite approach maintains the necessary strength and durability of metal parts while reducing the overall weight through the use of lighter polymer materials, thereby improving adaptability and flexibility without sacrificing structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If the actuating member is disposed on the top portion of the housing, then operational leverage is improved, but flexibility and adaptability are reduced due to surface requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the actuating lever from the traditional top-portion vertical arrangement to a horizontal arrangement within the plane of the base. The lever extends from the side of the base and actuates the clamp members horizontally rather than vertically. This dimensional change allows the tool to be used on surfaces where the top portion is not accessible, significantly improving flexibility and adaptability while maintaining operational leverage through the lever's mechanical advantage.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional miter clamp tools have a fixed actuating member configuration, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but versatility in various construction applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable, adjustable lever mechanism that can be positioned and secured at multiple locations along the base. This dynamic configuration allows the actuating member to be adapted to different workpiece sizes, shapes, and surface conditions. The lever's ability to move and be repositioned provides versatility across various construction applications while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing through modular design elements.
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 assembly provides secure and adaptable clamping of workpieces, allowing for flexible placement on any surface and accommodating various sizes and shapes, enhancing usability in construction applications.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-biased plate disposed on the second clamp member and configured to move from a first position to a second position
Data Source
AI summary
A miter clamp tool assembly including a base having a first clamp member and a second clamp member. A first plate is disposed on the first clamp member and a second plate is disposed on the second clamp member, and the second plate configured to move from a first position to a second position. Each of the first and second plates including a plurality of screws configured to be coupled to a portion of a workpiece. A lever is disposed on the second clamp member and configured to contact the second plate when the lever is actuated to move the second plate from the first position to the second position. A top member is disposed on the base to enclose the first and second plates and the lever, with a portion of the lever extending from the second clamp member for actuation.