Modular Clamp System With L-Shaped Body and Retractable Pin
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no single clamp that is versatile enough to address a wide variety of clamping needs across different applications such as woodworking, metalworking, and painting.
Innovation Solution
A modular clamp system featuring a pair of movable clamps that easily attach to framing such as half-slotted strut, utilizing an L-shaped clamp body with a threaded bore and a spring-loaded retractable pin, along with a handle assembly and cleated feet for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional single-purpose clamps are used, then the clamp can perform its specific clamping function, but it cannot address a wide variety of clamping needs across different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed with multiple functional components that can be interchanged or adjusted to serve different clamping needs. The quick-release mechanism allows rapid adaptation between different jaw configurations, while interchangeable inserts enable the same clamp body to handle various workpiece sizes and shapes, making a single clamp perform multiple functions that previously required different specialized clamps
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is divided into separate functional modules including the clamp body, movable jaw, fixed jaw, quick-release mechanism, and interchangeable inserts. This segmentation allows individual components to be adjusted, replaced, or reconfigured independently, enabling the system to adapt to different applications without requiring an entirely different clamp for each task
2Adaptability or versatility
If a clamp with adjustable mechanism is used to accommodate different workpiece sizes, then versatility is improved, but the operation becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Pre-configured interchangeable inserts and jaw components are designed to fit the clamp body in standardized positions. The quick-release mechanism is pre-set with lugs and slots that automatically align during the releasing motion, eliminating the need for complex adjustments or manual positioning during operation. This preliminary preparation of components and mechanisms enables rapid adaptation without increasing operational complexity
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 modular clamp system provides a secure and versatile method for holding workpieces of different sizes and shapes, allowing for easy reconfiguration and attachment to various framing systems, thus addressing the limitations of existing clamps.
Implementation Method 1
The second leg includes a threaded channel in which a spring loaded retractable pin is retained. The spring loaded retractable pin is used in conjunction with a pair of cleated feet to help secure the clamp body to half-slotted strut.
Implementation Method 2
The first leg has a threaded bore slightly below an end of the leg which is configured to receive a threaded member such as adjustment screw or threaded handle assembly described more fully below.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular clamp system includes at least one clamp having an L-shaped clamp body. The clamp body is defined by a first leg and a second leg, where the first leg includes a threaded bore extending therethrough, while the second leg includes a threaded channel in which a spring loaded retractable pin is retained. The clamp may further include a handle assembly having an adjustable threaded rod configured to travel back and forth through the threaded bore and to engage a workpiece. The handle assembly has a handle for rotating the handle assembly and may include a hex cap to interface with a drill or wrench. The clamp also includes a pair of spaced apart cleated feet for securing the clamp to a framing such as a half-slotted strut.