Modular Workholding Apparatus with Movable Jaw Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
High precision machining operations require workholding devices that can quickly and easily adapt to different positions and orientations of workpieces, but existing vises often require significant rotation of threaded rods, making the process inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A modular workholding apparatus with a base, longitudinal member, drive member, and jaw members that include a connector movable between disengaged and engaged positions, allowing for precise positioning and adjustment of the second jaw member relative to the base, enabling quick and efficient clamping of workpieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a threaded rod is used to move the movable jaw member, then the jaw member can be positioned against the workpiece, but the threaded rod must be rotated a significant amount of times which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional threaded rod mechanism with a rack and pinion gear system. The drive member includes a pinion gear that engages with a rack on the movable jaw member, converting rotational motion into linear motion more efficiently. This substitution reduces the number of rotations needed while maintaining precise positioning control through the gear engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a movable connector that can transition between engaged and disengaged positions with the longitudinal member. When disengaged, the connector allows rapid positioning of the jaw member; when engaged, it enables precise controlled movement through the drive mechanism. This dynamic switching optimizes both speed and precision during different phases of operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If the workholding device is designed for high precision machining, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the workholding device into modular components: a base, a movable jaw member with connector, and a drive member with longitudinal element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for precision while simplifying the overall assembly and maintenance of the complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector serves multiple functions: it connects the movable jaw member to the longitudinal member for driven movement, allows disengagement for rapid repositioning, and provides a interface for the drive mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precision capabilities.
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 design enhances the speed and accuracy of workpiece positioning, reducing the number of rotations needed to clamp the workpiece and improving the adaptability and efficiency of high precision machining operations.
Implementation Method 1
the movable jaw member can be moved via the interaction of a threaded rod with the base and the movable jaw
Implementation Method 2
the second jaw member comprises a connector movable between a disengaged position in which the connector is operatively disengaged from the longitudinal member and an engaged position in which the connector is engaged with the longitudinal member
Implementation Method 3
the drive member is operable to move the second jaw member relative to the second base end when the connector is engaged with the longitudinal member
Data Source
AI summary
A modular workpiece holding apparatus comprising a first portion including a first base and a first jaw member supported by the first base and, additionally, a second portion including a second base positionable relative to the first base at a selected distance relative to the first base, wherein the selected distance is selected by the operator of the modular apparatus. The modular apparatus can further include a movable second jaw member and a drive member extending between the first base and the second base, wherein the second jaw member comprises a connector movable between an engaged position in which the second jaw member is operably engaged with the drive member and a disengaged position in which the second jaw member is operably disengaged from the drive member. The drive member extends between the first and second portions when the portions are positioned on a foundation plate at the selected distance.