Precision Locating Fastener With Replaceable Stop for Fixture Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vises have fixed openings, leading to overapplication of force on materials and inability to securely hold larger pieces, as they do not provide digital feedback or adjustability.
Innovation Solution
A modular vise system with a fixed base and an adjustable base that uses strain gages and bi-directional worm screws for precise force measurement and application, allowing for digital feedback and adjustable clamping force, enabling secure holding of materials of varying sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional vises with fixed openings are used, then the structure is simple, but the user cannot adjust the clamping force and may overapply force to materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates strain gages that provide digital feedback to the user about the clamping force being applied. This feedback mechanism allows the user to monitor and control the force, preventing overapplication while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical force application with a system that incorporates electrical sensing elements (strain gages). This substitution enables precise force measurement and digital feedback without significantly complicating the mechanical structure of the vise itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional vises with fixed openings are used, then the device is simple, but larger pieces of working material cannot be retained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an adjustable opening mechanism that allows the distance between grippers to be changed. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the vise to accommodate workpieces of varying sizes, transforming a static structure into an adaptable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The vise structure is divided into adjustable components, particularly the opening mechanism that allows modification of the distance between grippers. This segmentation enables independent adjustment of different parts to suit various workpiece dimensions.
3Measurement precision
If strain gages are added to provide digital feedback, then force measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates strain gages into the existing mechanical structure, using electrical sensing to replace or augment mechanical force indication methods. This approach achieves precise force measurement while minimizing added complexity by leveraging modern sensing technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The strain gage system serves multiple functions: it measures clamping force, provides digital feedback to the user, and can potentially control the adjustment mechanism. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive force management capabilities.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable opening is implemented, then adaptability to different workpiece sizes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic opening adjustment mechanism that allows the distance between grippers to be modified. This transforms a static vise structure into one that can adapt to different workpiece sizes, with the adjustment mechanism integrated into the overall design.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable opening mechanism is designed to be set before the workpiece is clamped, allowing the user to preconfigure the vise for the specific task. This preliminary adjustment capability provides versatility without requiring complex real-time modification systems.
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 system provides accurate and precise force measurement and application, preventing material damage from overstress and accommodating larger pieces by adjusting the distance between grippers, enhancing user control and workpiece security.
Implementation Method 1
The fixed base has strain gages that measure an amplitude of forces applied to the fixed base from the adjustable base
Implementation Method 2
The adjustable base has a bi-directional worm screw that applies a linear force to the working member
Data Source
AI summary
A precision locating fastening device for securing a part. The device includes a drive screw, a base member, and a stop member. The drive screw has a gripping surface. The base member houses the drive screw and has a precision locating surface. The part is retained and located adjacent the precision locating surface relative to a fixture plate. The drive screw has one or more keyed ends. The stop member is replaceable to maintain precision and accuracy while locating and retaining the part. The device is incorporated in a system where a first keyed end of a first fastening device, a second key of the first fastening device, or the keyed end of a drive screw of a second fastening device is adjusted from either the first side of the fixture plate, the second side of fixture plate, or both to retain and locate the part on the fixture plate.