Modular Vise With Quick-Adjust Jaw and Rotation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vises are cumbersome due to their cast construction, which makes them heavy and difficult to maneuver, and their screw-type mechanisms for adjusting jaw openings are slow and prone to damage, complicating the handling of objects of varying sizes and orientations.
Innovation Solution
A modular vise design with quick adjustment mechanisms and a rotation mechanism, featuring a cam-driven gear system for easy jaw opening adjustment and a modular construction allowing for easy replacement of components, reducing weight and facilitating rapid positioning and clamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a cast construction is used for the vise, then the vise provides structural strength and durability, but the vise becomes heavy and cumbersome, making it difficult to move and manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The vise is divided into modular components including a body, slide, jaw assembly, and mounting plate that can be separately manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall weight while maintaining structural integrity through precise mating surfaces and connection mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If a screw type mechanism is used for adjusting jaw opening, then the vise provides precise adjustment capability, but the adjustment process becomes slow when working with objects of different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The vise employs a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the slide can be quickly repositioned along the body using a quick-release latch system. This allows the jaw opening to be rapidly adjusted for different object sizes without the slow manual rotation required by traditional screw mechanisms, while maintaining precise positioning capability through the toothed rack and pinion engagement.
3Ease of repair
If replaceable grippers are affixed to jaws with screws or fasteners, then the grippers can be replaced, but the fasteners become damaged or corrode, making replacement difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper attachment system extracts the fastening function from traditional screws and fasteners, replacing them with a integrated bayonet-style coupling mechanism. This allows grippers to be quickly removed and reinstalled by simple rotational motion without relying on corrosion-prone threaded fasteners, significantly improving both ease of replacement and long-term reliability.
4Ease of operation
If the vise structure is made modular with quick adjustment features, then the vise allows rapid adjustment and easy component replacement, but the device complexity increases with additional mechanisms like cam-driven gear systems
Solution Approach 1:
The vise combines multiple functions into integrated components: the cam-driven mechanism simultaneously provides both the quick-adjustment feature and the locking function, while the toothed rack and pinion system integrates positioning and securing operations. This merging reduces the number of separate mechanisms needed, simplifying the overall device despite the advanced functionality.
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 vise enables easy assembly, rapid jaw adjustment, and secure clamping, while allowing for lightweight and portable operation, with components that can be easily replaced or repaired.
Implementation Method 1
rotation of the cam in a first rotational direction cases movement of the tooth block linearly laterally with respect to the first side portion, and the movement of the tooth block causes movement of the slide into the body
Implementation Method 2
A lever including a gear stop with stop teeth is adapted to engage the gear teeth. An attachment portion is coupled to the gear ring and extends through the cover plate
Implementation Method 3
A gear ring disposed between the base plate and the cover plate, wherein the gear ring includes gear teeth extending inwardly from an inner surface of the gear ring
Data Source
AI summary
A vise having a modular construction that allows for ease of manufacture, assembly, and changeover or replacement of wear items, such as gripping surfaces of jaws of the vise. The modular construction also provides for reduced weight of the vise compared to conventional cast type vises. The vise also incorporates quick adjustment features allowing for the vise to be easily rotated, a position and size of an opening of the jaws to be rapidly adjusted, and a clamping force applied with ease.