Multi-Jaw Key Clamp for Versatile Key Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing key clamps for key processing machines have singular functions, leading to poor general-purpose performance and requiring multiple special-purpose clamps or complex modules, resulting in high costs, installation issues, and low efficiency when dealing with diverse key structures and characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A key clamp design featuring a master clamp with multiple clamping jaws and a transmission device, allowing for versatile clamping of various key types, including house, automotive, and specialized keys, with adjustable jaw configurations and a simple structure for easy use and reliable clamping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple special-purpose clamps are used to support different key types, then the clamping capability for specific key types is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping capability for different key typesVSAvoidnumber of special-purpose clamps
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single clamp body that can perform multiple clamping functions through different jaw configurations. The clamp body includes multiple jaw openings (first, second, third jaw openings) that can be configured to clamp various key types such as head positioning keys, shoulder positioning keys, tubular keys, hexagonal keys, crescent keys, and round keys. This eliminates the need for multiple special-purpose clamps while maintaining the ability to handle diverse key structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics through the movable jaw that can be adjusted to different positions and configurations. The movable jaw can be positioned in different locations relative to the fixed jaw, allowing the clamp to adapt to different key sizes and shapes. This dynamic adjustability enables a single clamp to replace multiple fixed-purpose clamps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a multitude of small modules are used to achieve versatility, then the adaptability for different key types is improved, but the ease of operation and maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for multiple key typesVSAvoidmounting and changing convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple clamping functions into a single integrated clamp body structure. Instead of using separate small modules that need to be assembled and disassembled, the clamp body incorporates multiple jaw openings and a movable jaw that can be adjusted within the same structural unit. This integration simplifies operation and maintenance while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple special-purpose clamps are provided for different key characteristics, then the clamping precision for specific key types is improved, but the productivity and efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping precision for specific key typesVSAvoidefficiency in handling diverse keys
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable jaw can be quickly repositioned and reconfigured within the clamp body to accommodate different key types. This dynamic adjustment capability allows operators to switch between clamping configurations without changing the entire clamp assembly, thereby maintaining precision while improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3744451B1A key clamp for key processing machines and a key processing machine
Publication Date: 2023.11.22 ZHEJIANG YONGYUAN TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • EP3744451B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3744451B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

This invention discloses a key clamp for key processing machines and key processing machine, comprising a base (1), a first clamp (2) and a second clamp (3), have the same structure and are arranged in parallel on the base (1), and they both have a fixed connection with the base (1). The first clamp (2) comprises at least three clamping jaw (2-2, 2-3, 2-4) and a transmission device, three clamping jaws (2-2, 2-3, 2-4) arranged in one row, the first clamping jaw (2-2) and the third clamping jaw (2-4) are both fixed in relation to the base (1). The second clamping jaw (2-3) is flexibly installed on the base (1). The transmission device penetrates the first clamping jaw (2-2), the second clamping jaw (2-3) and the third clamping jaw (2-4), and are connected to the second clamping jaw (2-3). The key clamp can clamp house keys and automotive keys with a multitude of structures. It has the advantages of strong versatility, simple structure, easy use and reliable clamping.