Modular Clamping Panel With Retaining Slots for Versatile Workholding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing woodworking auxiliary work surfaces and fences, typically made of extruded metal, are limited in size and functionality due to manufacturing constraints, and lack standardized channels for clamping, making them ineffective with larger workpieces and difficult to customize.
Innovation Solution
A modular panel with geometric features such as trapezoidal dog holes and slots, compatible with MATCHFIT™ clamps, allowing for versatile configuration and assembly with multiple panels to form various work assemblies, enabling secure attachment of tools and workpieces regardless of orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If extruded metal members are used for auxiliary work surfaces, then manufacturing precision and structural strength are improved, but adaptability and ease of manufacture are worsened due to limited size, fixed channel directions, and non-standardized dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary work surface is divided into modular components: a board with standardized channels and clamps with T-shaped posts. This segmentation allows the system to be configured in multiple ways to accommodate different workpiece sizes and orientations, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The board is designed with universal channels that can accommodate various clamp types and positions. The standardized channel dimensions and T-shaped post design create a universal interface that works across different configurations, enabling the same board to serve multiple functions for different workpiece requirements.
2Strength
If channels are formed along edges of the board to receive clamp posts, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability is worsened because the board height is similar to fence height and does not function well with larger wooden workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The channel configuration utilizes multiple dimensions of the board - edges, faces, and ends - to provide clamp attachment points at various heights and positions. This multi-dimensional approach allows the board to accommodate larger workpieces by providing clamping options beyond the limited edge channels, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If T-shaped grooves are formed on one side of the board, then ease of operation is improved for clamp attachment, but manufacturing complexity increases due to non-standardized cross-sectional dimensions requiring custom cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The channel cross-sectional dimensions are standardized to specific parameters that accommodate the T-shaped posts of common clamps. This standardization simplifies manufacturing by providing fixed dimensional parameters for cutting, reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation for clamp attachment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If auxiliary work surfaces are made larger to accommodate bigger workpieces, then adaptability is improved, but weight and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses modular boards that can be selectively combined or used individually based on workpiece size requirements. This segmentation allows users to employ smaller, lighter boards for small workpieces and only combine multiple boards or use larger configurations when bigger workpieces need to be accommodated, thus managing weight while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, having: a panel (100) comprising a top surface (102), a bottom surface (104), and a side surface (106) spanning the top and bottom surfaces; plural upper retaining slots (110), each upper retaining slot recessed into the panel through the top surface, extending parallel to the top surface, and opening through the side surface in at least one location (112), wherein each upper retaining slot comprises a trapezoidal shape; and a dog hole (122) extending through the panel from the top surface to the bottom surface.