Multi-Station Vise Adapter for Clamping Two Workpieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial workholding vises, including single and dual station types, face challenges such as high cost, complex setup, reduced accuracy, increased size, and frequent wear due to custom inserts, limiting productivity and efficiency in manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A multi-station vise adapter that replaces jaw inserts and includes gripper teeth, using standardized components and simplified setup with spacers and springs to enhance functionality and reduce the need for custom machined inserts, allowing for clamping of multiple workpieces and reducing the number of vises required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dual station vises are used to hold multiple workpieces, then productivity increases, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the workholding function into modular components: a base vise and detachable adapter assemblies. Each adapter assembly is a self-contained unit that can be attached or removed independently, allowing the system to be segmented into functional modules that can be reconfigured based on production needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly serves multiple functions: it provides clamping surfaces for workpieces, incorporates定位 features for precise positioning, and includes mounting mechanisms for attachment to the base vise. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized fixtures for each operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom jaw inserts are fabricated to clamp multiple smaller workpieces, then versatility improves, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to irregular clamping forces
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly incorporates localized clamping features with distributed contact points designed to apply uniform pressure across different workpiece sizes. Each clamping element is positioned and dimensioned to provide optimal local contact, ensuring consistent clamping force regardless of workpiece variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly includes adjustable components that allow modification of clamping parameters such as force distribution and contact point positioning. By changing these parameters, the system can accommodate different workpiece sizes while maintaining uniform clamping forces through precise adjustment rather than relying on fixed custom inserts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If soft jaw inserts are used to accommodate varied workpiece sizes, then adaptability improves, but durability worsens due to accelerated wear
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly utilizes composite construction combining hard, wear-resistant materials for structural components with softer, conformable materials only where direct workpiece contact is necessary. This composite approach provides the durability of hard materials while retaining the adaptability of soft materials at specific contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly incorporates movable and adjustable elements that allow dynamic reconfiguration for different workpiece sizes. Rather than relying on permanently deformed soft inserts, the system uses adjustable positioning mechanisms that can be reconfigured repeatedly without wear, maintaining both adaptability and durability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple standard vises are purchased to accommodate different workpiece sizes, then versatility improves, but loss of time increases due to mounting and alignment setup
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assemblies are pre-fabricated with integrated mounting features, positioning elements, and alignment provisions. This preliminary preparation of the adapters allows for rapid attachment to the base vise without requiring time-consuming on-site machining, alignment, or adjustment during setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly serves as an intermediary component between the base vise and the workpiece. It incorporates built-in positioning and alignment features that mediate the interface, eliminating the need for direct alignment work between the vise and varied workpieces. The adapter absorbs the alignment requirements, allowing quick interchange of different workpiece configurations.
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
Enhances productivity by reducing the number of vises needed, simplifying setup, and improving accuracy and durability, while maintaining flexibility and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring positioned in the middle floating jaw behind the rear workpiece clamping surface and bearing against the rear fixed jaw adapter block to urge the middle floating jaw in a forward direction
Implementation Method 2
Two shaft collars are attached to each guide shaft and restrict movement of the middle floating jaw and front floating jaw adapter block along the guide shafts
Implementation Method 3
The rear fixed jaw adapter block and front floating jaw adapter block are attached to the rear fixed jaw and front floating jaw, respectively, of the single station vise with fasteners
Data Source
AI summary
An improved vise adapter for use with existing industrial single stage vises. A rear fixed jaw adapter block is mounted on the rear fixed jaw of the vise, a front floating jaw adapter block is mounted on the front floating jaw of the vise, and a middle floating jaw is slidingly mounted therebetween on two pairs of guide shafts extending out from the rear fixed jaw adapter block. The front floating jaw adapter block also is slidingly mounted on the guide shafts. As a linear clamping force is applied in the direction of the fixed jaw of the vise, the adapter holds two workpieces instead of a single workpiece.