PIN Vise Jaw Segmentation for Irregular Workpiece Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard vises struggle to securely hold irregularly shaped parts due to the lack of symmetry or flat surfaces, which complicates workpiece holding and does not effectively accommodate round or abnormally shaped components.
Innovation Solution
The Positive Interlock Network (PIN) vise design features an array of pins that fit around or within the part to create a custom contour, providing a secure grip through interlocking projections and recesses, with the pins being clamped together to exert a compressive force and friction, allowing for adjustable and robust holding of irregularly shaped objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard flat vise jaws are used, then the vise structure is simple, but irregularly shaped parts cannot be securely held
Solution Approach 1:
The vise jaw is segmented into multiple individual pins arranged in an array, each pin capable of independently contacting and supporting irregular surfaces of the workpiece. This segmentation allows the jaw to adapt to complex geometries while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional flat 2D jaw surfaces to a 3D array of pins with varying heights and orientations. This dimensional change enables the jaw to conform to irregular workpiece surfaces from multiple angles, significantly improving holding capability for non-standard geometries.
2Adaptability or versatility
If accessories like V-blocks are used to accommodate round parts, then the holding capability for specific shapes is improved, but the device complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pin array jaw serves multiple functions simultaneously - it can hold round parts, irregularly shaped parts, flat parts, and parts at various angles without requiring different accessories. The universal pin configuration adapts to diverse geometries through selective pin engagement, eliminating the need for V-blocks, V-grooves, or other shape-specific attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin array provides dynamic adaptability where individual pins can engage with different portions of the workpiece depending on its geometry. The system transitions from static fixed jaw surfaces to a dynamic configuration where pin engagement varies automatically based on the workpiece shape being held.
3Force
If pins are stacked in a bundle with intimate contact, then the clamping force and friction are increased, but the manufacturing precision required for pin fitting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pin array utilizes local quality variations where individual pins can have different heights, diameters, and orientations optimized for specific contact points on the workpiece. This allows the system to achieve high clamping force at critical contact points without requiring all pins to meet extremely tight tolerances, as each pin's dimensions are optimized for its local function.
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 PIN vise effectively holds irregularly shaped parts with increased resistance to rotation and sliding, providing a customizable and robust solution that surpasses standard vise capabilities, allowing for precise positioning and angle adjustment without the need for additional accessories or complex setup.
Implementation Method 1
the pins being clamped together to exert a compressive force and friction
Implementation Method 2
the pins being clamped together to exert a compressive force
Data Source
AI summary
A vise includes a base and two opposed jaws. At least one of the jaws is movable with respect to the other so that an object can be gripped therebetween. At least one of the two opposed jaws includes a frame and an array of polygon-shaped pins stacked parallel to one another. The frame has a bottom side and two opposed sides tapering towards the bottom side. The pins are disposed on the bottom side. Each pin has a cross-sectional shape such that when stacked together, the pins fit flush with one another and an area defined by the frame is tiled by the pins without any substantial gaps therebetween. The pins are oriented such that the tapering opposed sides direct force vectors to increase a pin-to-pin clamping force and the frame selectively clamps down on the pins such that the pins are held in place.