Pendulum Clamping Jaw Segmented Receptacle for Tool-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pendulum clamping jaws are difficult to replace and lack flexibility, requiring tools for assembly and disassembly, and often lack sufficient basic rigidity for securely clamping workpieces with non-parallel or irregular surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A pendulum clamping jaw design featuring a base plate with a circular segment receptacle and a rotatable pendulum plate, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly by twisting and shifting without tools, and providing high basic rigidity through a large circle diameter and direct force flow, preventing tilting moments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional pendulum clamping jaws are designed with screw bolts and bolt-like receptacles, then basic rigidity is achieved, but assembly and disassembly require tools and are complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping jaw is divided into a base jaw and a pendulum jaw that can be easily separated. The connection interface is segmented into a receptacle with edge projection and a corresponding groove, allowing tool-free assembly by simply engaging these segmented parts through twisting and shifting motions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using traditional screw-fastening mechanisms where the fastener is inserted and tightened, this invention inverts the approach by using a receptacle-groove interface where the edge projection of one part fits into the groove of the other part, enabling easy engagement through simple twisting and shifting without requiring threaded fasteners.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pendulum clamping jaws use standard clamping jaws with fixed clamping surfaces, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to workpieces with non-parallel surfaces is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping jaw incorporates a pendulum mechanism that allows the clamping surface to dynamically adjust its position and orientation. The pendulum jaw can swing and adapt to non-parallel surfaces, providing dynamic adaptability rather than relying on fixed, rigid clamping surfaces, thereby enabling secure clamping of workpieces with varying geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The pendulum mechanism enables changes in the clamping parameters (position, angle, and orientation of the clamping surface) to match the workpiece geometry. By allowing the pendulum jaw to swing through different angles, the system can adapt to workpieces with non-parallel surfaces without requiring multiple specialized clamping devices.
3Strength
If the receptacle for the pendulum plate has a small diameter, then the structure is compact, but basic rigidity and resistance to tilting moments are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the diameter of the receptacle in a single dimension, the invention enhances rigidity by adding dimensional complexity through the L-shaped configuration with the edge projection extending perpendicular to the main receptacle axis. This multi-dimensional geometry provides resistance to tilting moments without significantly increasing the overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle structure combines multiple geometric features (circular base with L-shaped edge projection) to create a composite structural form that achieves high rigidity. The edge projection acts as a structural reinforcement that compensates for the relatively small receptacle diameter, providing resistance to tilting moments through its perpendicular extension.
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
Enables easy and secure clamping of workpieces with varying sizes and irregular contours, ensuring a tight fit without tools and maintaining high rigidity, allowing for flexible adaptation to different workpieces and reducing assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the pendulum plate being rotatable on the base plate about a pendulum axis defined by the receptacle
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A pendulum clamping jaw (1) for mounting on a base jaw of a clamping device consists of a base plate (2) and a pendulum plate (3). The base plate (2) is rigidly connected to the base jaw and has a bolt-like receptacle (5) for receiving the pendulum plate (3). The pendulum plate (3) is rotatably mounted on the base plate (2) about a pendulum axis (P) defined by the receptacle (5). The bolt-like receptacle (5) is segment-shaped and has a central angle α > 180°. The bolt-like receptacle (5) also has an edge rib (6) spaced apart from the base plate (2), and the pendulum plate (3) has a blind-hole-like recess (7) corresponding to the bolt-like receptacle (5) with an edge groove (8) extending along the bottom of the blind hole and corresponding to the edge rib (6).