Potter's Wheel Holding Tool With Fish-Shaped Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing potter's wheels face issues with workpiece security and chatter due to inconsistent screw cap sizes and loose engagements, leading to potential dislodgment and reduced longevity.
Innovation Solution
A tool with fish-shaped apertures and multiple holding arms that securely attach to various sized fasteners on the wheel, reducing chatter and maintaining tool longevity by using a fish-shaped aperture design that fits over bat pins and accommodates different brands and sizes, with a locking mechanism to prevent workpiece release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If circular apertures are used to fit both 1/4 inch and 10 mm screw caps, then the tool can accommodate various potter's wheel models, but chatter occurs due to loose engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric fish-shaped apertures instead of symmetric circular apertures. The fish-shaped aperture has a specific orientation that creates a tapered fit, with the tail portion providing a press-fit engagement that prevents rotation and chatter while maintaining compatibility with standard screw cap sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the aperture from a simple circular shape to a complex fish-shaped geometry with specific dimensions. The aperture includes a head portion with a diameter matching the screw cap size and a tail portion that tapers to create a press-fit engagement, transforming the engagement mechanism from loose to secure
2Ease of manufacture
If clay is used to mount the workpiece, then the attachment is simple, but the workpiece may become dislodged and fall off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical intermediary system consisting of the tool with fish-shaped apertures and holding arms that mediates between the workpiece and the potter's wheel. This mechanical system replaces the unreliable clay attachment while maintaining ease of use through simple tool operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the workpiece support function into multiple independent holding arms that can individually engage with the workpiece. This segmentation provides redundant support points, ensuring that even if one arm fails to engage properly, the workpiece remains securely held
Data Source
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AI summary
An improved tool (2) for use with a potter's wheel (4) is provided, and the tool configured to attach to the spinning potter's wheel (17) and hold a workpiece (10) in the center thereof. The tool comprises an upper plate (18) and a lower plate (20) that are rotatable with respect to each other. A holding arm (12a-12c) can extend through an arm slot (14a-14c) in the upper plate to engage a spiral ridge (28a-28c) of the lower plate. Relative rotation between the upper plate and the lower plate causes the holding arm to move inward or outward in a radial direction to engage a workpiece. The lower plate comprises fish-shaped apertures (64a,64b) to engage fasteners on the potter's wheel in a manner to reduce chatter and improve the longevity of the tool.