Modular Clamping Apparatus with Interchangeable Jaws

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamps are limited in their versatility, requiring multiple types for different applications, and often necessitate two-handed operation or rely on slow and low-force manual mechanisms, with high-cost and maintenance-intensive alternatives being cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A modular clamping apparatus with pivotable jaw structures and an elongated element that allows for single-handed operation with power tools, featuring interchangeable shoes and accessories for various applications, including clamping, electrical conductivity, and heat transfer, while preventing undesired removal without additional tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing multi-purpose clamps are used to allow for additional clamp surfaces or features, then versatility is improved, but the clamp modification capability is limited and cannot fit additional applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamp versatilityVSAvoidclamp modification capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp is divided into modular components including interchangeable shoes, jaw structures, and accessories that can be independently attached and removed. This segmentation allows the base clamp to remain simple while achieving versatility through component combination and reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp design incorporates universal mounting interfaces and standardized attachment mechanisms that allow a single base clamp to support multiple types of shoes and accessories for different applications, including clamping, electrical conductivity, and heat transfer functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If existing locking clamps are designed for single hand operation, then ease of operation is improved, but clamp force is limited by operator grip strength

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle hand operationVSAvoidclamp force

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The manual screw or toggle mechanism is replaced with a power tool-compatible drive system that accepts drill bits, impact drivers, or other powered fastening tools. This substitution eliminates the grip strength limitation by using powered rotation to generate clamp force while maintaining single-hand operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If existing surface mounted clamps use manual screw or toggle mechanism, then ease of operation is improved, but clamping force is low and operation speed is slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual operationVSAvoidoperation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Force

If existing surface mounted clamps use hydraulic or pneumatic mechanisms, then clamping force is improved, but price point is high, setup time is long, and maintenance is significant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping forceVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex hydraulic or pneumatic systems are extracted and replaced with a simplified power tool-compatible mechanical drive system. This extraction removes the need for hoses, pumps, compressors, and associated control systems while retaining the ability to generate high clamping force through powered screw rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables increased modularity and efficient single-handed power tool operation across diverse applications, enhancing versatility and reducing operational complexity and costs.

Implementation Method 1

an elongated element threadably engaged with the nuts of the upper and lower jaw structure whereas, rotation of the elongated element in the first direction causes the clamp ends of the upper and lower jaw structures to move closer to one another

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

a hinge located at the hinge ends of the upper and lower jaw structure, the hinge providing for rotation of the upper jaw structure with respect to the lower jaw structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS20220212315A1Modular Single-Handed Clamping Apparatus and Method

Publication Date: 2022.07.07 DIMIDE INC

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a clamping apparatus that is designed to be modular to facilitate use in numerous applications. In particular the modularity is fast and easy to manually perform without the need of tools. This modularity is facilitated by elongated elements which are configured to resist undesired removal, but facilitate desired removal. The modularity of the clamping apparatus is facilitated with the use of many interchangeable shoes and a variety of structural jaws. The clamping apparatus may be operated with the option of using a power tool, hand tool, or handle elongated element and may be configured to facilitate single hand operation.