Portable Work Holding Device with Segmented Jaw Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bench vises are not portable and when made portable, they compromise on work holding capabilities, resulting in an undesirable tradeoff between portability and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A portable work holding device with a spindle assembly that connects two jaw pieces, allowing for clamping pressure adjustment, and a connection system that includes a first jaw piece with an elongated connection member and a second jaw piece with a positionable connection member, facilitating mounting to a vehicle receiver hitch or support surface, while incorporating a handle for secure transport and a weight-reduced design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional bench vise is mounted to a vehicle or support surface, then work holding capabilities are maintained, but portability is compromised due to heavy weight and difficulty to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The vise is divided into two separate jaw pieces (first jaw piece and second jaw piece) connected by a connection member, allowing the device to be disassembled into lighter components for easier transport while maintaining full functionality when assembled
2Weight of moving object
If a conventional bench vise is made portable by reducing weight, then portability is improved, but work holding capabilities are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the vise into separate jaw pieces connected by a rigid connection member with passages for the spindle assembly, the design achieves reduced weight for portability while maintaining the structural integrity and work holding capability through proper mechanical connection
Solution Approach 2:
The connection member serves multiple functions: it physically connects the jaw pieces, provides passages for the spindle assembly to pass through, and enables both portable and stationary usage modes, ensuring full functionality regardless of weight reduction
3Weight of moving object
If a portable work holding device is designed with separate jaw pieces and connection members, then portability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it connects the jaw pieces, provides structural support, and incorporates passages for the spindle assembly, thereby reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying the overall structure despite the segmented design
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 quick and secure mounting to various supports, maintains work holding capabilities, and ensures portability without compromising functionality, providing a usable work surface and easy transport.
Implementation Method 1
A spindle forms a helical thread on an outer surface of the spindle along at least a portion of a length of the spindle that cooperates with the helical thread formed on the inner surface of the spindle nut to facilitate translation of the second jaw piece with respect to the first jaw piece along an axis defined by the spindle
Implementation Method 2
The spindle assembly includes a spindle nut positioned within at least the first passage. The spindle nut forms a helical thread on an inner surface of the spindle nut along at least a portion of a length of the spindle nut between a first end and a second end of the spindle nut
Data Source
AI summary
A work holding device includes a first jaw piece having an elongated first connection member for connecting the work holding device to a support. The first connection member defines a first passage. A second jaw piece has an elongated second connection member positionable within the first passage. The second connection member defines a second passage in communication with the first passage. A spindle assembly movably couples the second jaw piece to the first jaw piece. The spindle assembly is configured to move the second jaw piece with respect to the first jaw piece to create a clamping pressure when an object is placed between the first jaw piece and the second jaw piece.