Modular Vise with Strain Gage Feedback and Worm Screw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vises have fixed openings, 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 sensors and a bi-directional worm screw that provides digital feedback through strain gages, allowing for adjustable clamping force and accommodating various material sizes by pairing an adjustable base with a fixed base, enabling precise force measurement and application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional vises with fixed openings are used, then the structure is simple, but the user cannot adjust the clamping force and may overapply force to materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect applied force and provide real-time feedback to the user through a display interface. This feedback mechanism enables users to monitor and control clamping force precisely, preventing overapplication of force while maintaining material integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vise design transitions from a static, fixed-opening structure to a dynamic system with adjustable components. The ability to modify opening size and clamping force dynamically allows adaptation to different material sizes and requirements, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional vises with fixed openings are used, then the device is simple, but larger pieces of working material cannot be retained
Solution Approach 1:
The vise is divided into modular components including adjustable jaws and reconfigurable sections. This segmentation allows the opening size to be modified by repositioning or replacing components, enabling accommodation of various material sizes while keeping each individual component relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The vise design incorporates universal features such as adjustable jaws and interchangeable components that enable a single device to handle multiple material sizes and types. This multi-functionality achieves adaptability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If no feedback mechanism is provided, then the device is simple, but the user is likely to overapply force to materials
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors are integrated into the vise structure to detect applied force and transmit this information to a display interface. This feedback loop provides real-time monitoring of clamping force, enabling users to maintain force within safe limits and prevent material damage while adding only moderate complexity through standardized sensing components.
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 system prevents over-stressing of materials, allows secure holding of larger pieces, and standardizes force application, reducing additional work required to manage internal stress and accommodating diverse material sizes.
Implementation Method 1
The fixed base utilizes strain gages to measure an amplitude of forces applied to the fixed base through a 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 fixed vise and an adjustable vise. The fixed base utilizes strain gages to measure an amplitude of forces applied to the fixed base through a working member from the adjustable base. The adjustable base utilizes a bi directional worm screw to apply a linear force to the working member relative to the fixed base.