Portable Work Holding Device with Adjustable Projections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional portable work holding devices attached to vehicles or workbenches face instability due to varying receiver hitch sizes, moisture, and debris exposure, compromising both portability and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A portable work holding device with an elongated connection member featuring adjustable projections and a spindle assembly for secure mounting to vehicle receiver hitches or workbench brackets, including a cap to seal against debris, ensures stability and functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a bench vise is mounted to a platform or pad on a vehicle, then the work holding device becomes portable, but the platform or pad is less stable and in the way while carrying materials

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidstability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The connection member is divided into segments with adjustable projections that can be independently positioned to fit different receiver hitch configurations, allowing the vise to be securely mounted directly to the vehicle frame without requiring a separate platform or pad structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable projections on the connection member enable it to universally fit various receiver hitch sizes and configurations (1.25-inch and 2-inch receivers), making the portable vise adaptable to different vehicle types while maintaining stable mounting

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the connection member is made longer to accommodate varying receiver hitch sizes, then adaptability improves, but the device becomes heavier and more difficult to transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to receiver sizesVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connection member incorporates adjustable projections that can be dynamically repositioned along the length of the member to accommodate different receiver hitch sizes, eliminating the need for a long fixed-length connection member and reducing overall weight while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If receiver hitches have an open end, then accessibility is improved, but moisture, dirt and debris can enter and compromise the work holding device

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidmoisture and debris ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection member is equipped with seals and protective coatings applied in advance to prevent moisture and debris from entering the internal workings of the vise through the open end of the receiver hitch, allowing the device to operate reliably in harsh environments without compromising accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10173302B2Portable work holding device and assembly

Publication Date: 2019.01.08 JPW IND INC

AI summary

A work holding device, such as a vice, includes first and second jaws and a spindle connected between them to change the distance between the jaws for holding a work piece. An elongated connection member extends from the first jaw and is shaped to fit into a receiver member of a receiver hitch on a vehicle. Adjustable projections are provided on the elongated connection member for reducing movement of the vice in the hitch. The adjustable projections may be set screws. An end cap is provided on the end of the elongated connection member. The work holding device may be mounted in a receiver member or bracket on a workbench or other work area.