Multi-function Clamp with Link Arm for Face and Pocket Hole Configurations

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamps are limited in their versatility, requiring multiple types to accommodate different applications, such as face and pocket hole clamping, which increases the complexity and number of tools needed.

Innovation Solution

A multi-function clamp design featuring a first arm, link arm, and second arm with clamp members that can reconfigure between face clamp and pocket hole clamp positions, allowing the same clamp to be used for various applications by adjusting the link arm's position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different clamps are used to suit different applications, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamp adaptabilityVSAvoidnumber of clamps

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp is designed with a link arm that can be positioned in multiple configurations (first position for face clamp mode, second position for pocket hole clamp mode), allowing a single clamp device to perform multiple clamping functions that traditionally required separate specialized clamps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different clamps are used to suit different applications, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamp adaptabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp integrates multiple clamping capabilities into one device with a unified operation mechanism, allowing the user to switch between face clamp and pocket hole clamp modes by simply repositioning the link arm while maintaining consistent operation procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single clamp is used for multiple applications, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of clampsVSAvoidclamp adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The link arm is designed to be movable between distinct positions (first position and second position), enabling the clamp to dynamically reconfigure its clamping mechanism to suit different applications such as face clamping or pocket hole clamping, thereby achieving multi-functionality within a single device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10723000B2Multi-function clamp

Publication Date: 2020.07.28 TTI MACAO COMML OFFSHORE LTD

AI summary

A clamp includes a first arm, a first clamp member disposed at an end of the first arm, a link arm coupled to the first arm and movable relative to the first arm between a first position and a second position, and a second clamp member coupled to the link arm for movement therewith between the first position and the second position. The clamp also includes a second arm movable relative to the first arm and a third clamp member coupled to the second arm. The second and third clamp members are engageable with a workpiece to clamp the workpiece between the second and third clamp members when the link arm is in the first position. The first and third clamp members are engageable with the workpiece to clamp the workpiece between the first and third clamp members when the link arm is in the second position.