Low Profile Plastic Clamp Head for Cutting Tool Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamps for cutting machines often result in damage to cutting tools due to misjudgment of cut positions, as they are typically made of metal and can be cut into during the machining process.

Innovation Solution

A clamp with a plastic clamp head and a metal frame, featuring a low profile design and adjustable height, which can be easily replaced, to prevent damage to cutting tools and ensure secure clamping of workpieces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a metal clamp is used to provide strong clamping force, then the clamping strength is improved, but the cutting tool may be damaged when contacting the clamp

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping strengthVSAvoidcutting tool damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp is divided into two distinct parts: a metal frame body that provides structural strength and clamping force, and a separate plastic clamp head that contacts the workpiece and protects the cutting tool. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp combines two different materials with complementary properties: metal (for strength and rigidity) and plastic (for tool protection and low profile). This composite structure resolves the contradiction by allowing the metal frame to provide clamping strength while the plastic head prevents tool damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If a high profile clamp is used to accommodate various workpiece thicknesses, then the adaptability is improved, but the risk of spindle contact increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece thickness accommodationVSAvoidspindle contact risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp head is designed to be replaceable and adjustable, allowing the user to select appropriate clamp heads for different workpiece thicknesses. This dynamic adaptability maintains a low profile while accommodating various workpiece sizes, preventing spindle contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a fixed clamp design is used to simplify the structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of repair deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamp structureVSAvoidclamp head replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the clamp into a permanent frame body and replaceable clamp heads, the design maintains simplicity while enabling easy repair. Users can replace only the damaged clamp head rather than the entire clamp assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp head is designed as a consumable or replaceable component that can be discarded when damaged and replaced with a new or spare head, simplifying repair processes while maintaining overall clamp functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS11554464B2Work material clamp for use with cutting machines

Publication Date: 2023.01.17 CHEPURNY MARK P

AI summary

A clamp for use with a cutting machine, the clamp comprising: a clamp frame; a low profile clamp head operatively connected to the clamp frame, wherein the clamp head has a clamping surface for pressing on a work surface of a work piece to hold said work piece; and a fixing element, operatively connectable to the clamp frame, for providing a clamping force to the clamp head by fixing the clamp to a support base for the work piece. In embodiments, the clamp head may have a low profile clamp head, made of plastic to prevent damage to a cutting bit.