Modular Vise With Force Feedback for Adjustable Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vises have a fixed opening, leading to overapplication of force on materials and inability to securely hold larger pieces, as they lack feedback mechanisms and are not adjustable.
Innovation Solution
A modular vise system with digital feedback, utilizing strain gages and bi-directional worm screws for precise force measurement and adjustment, allowing for adjustable openings and secure holding of materials through a combination of fixed and adjustable vises with sensors for real-time force display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional vises with fixed opening are used, then the structure is simple, but the user cannot securely hold larger pieces of material and is likely to overapply force
Solution Approach 1:
The vise is divided into modular components: a fixed jaw assembly and a movable jaw assembly that can be independently positioned and secured at different locations along the beam. This segmentation allows the vise to accommodate materials of varying sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The vise incorporates adjustable and movable elements, including the movable jaw assembly that can be repositioned along the beam and the spring-loaded mechanism that provides dynamic force application. This dynamic capability enables adaptation to different material sizes and types without requiring a completely different vise design.
2Measurement precision
If conventional vises without feedback mechanisms are used, then the device is simple, but the user overapplies force causing material stress
Solution Approach 1:
The vise incorporates strain gage sensors that measure the actual clamping force being applied to the material. This feedback is transmitted to a display device, allowing the user to monitor the force in real-time and adjust the applied pressure to avoid overloading the material. The feedback mechanism provides quantitative information that enables precise force control.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical force estimation method (relying on user judgment or mechanical indicators) is replaced with electronic strain gage sensors that provide precise digital measurement of the applied force. This substitution of mechanical sensing with electronic sensing enables accurate force measurement and feedback control.
3Length of stationary object
If conventional vises with fixed opening are used, then the manufacturing is simple, but larger pieces of material cannot be retained
Solution Approach 1:
The vise structure is segmented into a fixed jaw assembly and a movable jaw assembly connected through a beam with multiple positioning points. This segmentation allows the opening size to be adjusted by repositioning the movable jaw assembly along the beam, enabling the vise to accommodate larger materials while maintaining a compact and manufacturable design.
Solution Approach 2:
The vise beam is designed with multiple mounting locations and adjustment mechanisms that allow a single vise unit to function with various opening sizes. This multi-functionality enables the same basic vise structure to handle both small and large materials, eliminating the need for multiple specialized vises and simplifying manufacturing.
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 precise and repeatable location of objects, reduces material stress, and accommodates larger pieces by providing real-time force feedback, preventing overapplication and allowing for secure clamping.
Implementation Method 1
The fixed base utilizes strain gages to measure an amplitude of forces applied to the fixed base through the working member from the adjustable base
Implementation Method 2
The adjustable base utilizes a bi directional worm screw to apply a linear force to the working member relative to the fixed base
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure applying system using a modular vise having a fixed base and an adjustable pusher assembly. The modular vise utilizes a bi-directional worm screw to apply a linear force from the pusher assembly to the working member relative to the fixed base. The fixed base is secured and located from below a bottom surface of the fixed base.