Modular Morphing Vise Jaws for Irregular Workpiece Clamping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vise jaws struggle to securely hold irregularly shaped objects and are often not modular, making them difficult to transfer between different size vises, and they can be challenging to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The development of morphing jaws that are modular and can conform to irregularly shaped objects, allowing them to be easily disassembled and reassembled, and can be used on multiple vise sizes by utilizing dowel pins and magnetic interactions between tiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional dovetail structures are used to hold jaw components, then the jaws can be securely assembled, but the dovetails can break or bend if over-pivoted and clamped, making repair difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw is divided into multiple modular segments (first jaw segment, second jaw segment, third jaw segment) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation eliminates the need for fragile dovetail structures while maintaining secure assembly through alternative connection mechanisms such as magnets and dowel pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical dovetail connection system with a hybrid system incorporating magnets and dowel pins. This substitution eliminates the bending and breaking issues associated with over-pivoted dovetails while maintaining secure jaw assembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If vise jaws are designed as fixed single-piece structures, then they are simple to manufacture, but they cannot conform to irregularly shaped objects
Solution Approach 1:
The vise jaw is constructed from multiple segments (first, second, and third jaw segments) that can move independently. This segmentation allows the jaw to conform to irregularly shaped objects while maintaining manufacturing simplicity for each individual segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw segments are designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, allowing them to move and adjust to the shape of the workpiece. The segments can pivot and reposition themselves to accommodate irregular geometries while remaining relatively simple to manufacture.
3Strength
If vise jaws are designed as integrated units, then they are structurally sound, but they cannot be easily disassembled for cleaning and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw is divided into separable segments connected by magnets and dowel pins, allowing easy disassembly for cleaning and maintenance. The magnetic connection provides sufficient holding force during use but allows straightforward separation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Magnets serve as an intermediary connection mechanism between jaw segments, providing a balance between structural integrity during operation and ease of disassembly for maintenance. The magnetic force holds segments together during use but allows simple separation when the vise is opened.
4Manufacturing precision
If vise jaws are designed for a specific vise size, then they fit that vise perfectly, but they cannot be transferred to other vise sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The modular segmented design allows the jaw to be adapted to different vise sizes by selecting appropriate segment combinations. Each segment can be independently positioned and secured, enabling the same jaw components to fit multiple vise sizes while maintaining precise fit through the segmentation mechanism.
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 morphing jaws effectively secure irregularly shaped objects and can be easily adapted for use on different vise sizes, simplifying maintenance and component replacement, while avoiding the issues of broken or bent dovetail structures.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic interactions between tiers
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to vise pivotal jaws for holding irregular shaped objects that are removable and modular to work on other prior art vises. The design allows ease of disassembly for cleaning and reassembly.