Quick-Release Clamp With Double Toggle Locking for Variable Heights
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices struggle to securely clamp objects of varying heights without requiring modifications or adjustments, and they lack a reliable locking mechanism that prevents accidental release.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a double toggle lever mechanism, featuring a slide and two toggle levers that are overextended in the closed state, requiring a high unlocking force and allowing secure locking across a range of object heights, along with a force adjustment mechanism to vary clamping pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single toggle lever mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the locking reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent toggle levers (first and second toggle levers) that work in parallel. Each toggle lever provides independent locking action, and both must be overcome simultaneously to release the clamping device, thereby significantly enhancing locking reliability without requiring a single overly complex mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The two toggle levers are combined within a single clamping device structure, where the first toggle lever (formed by clamping piece and actuating lever) and the second toggle lever (formed by connecting lever and actuating lever) operate together. Their combined locking effect creates a highly reliable locked state that prevents accidental release
2Adaptability or versatility
If the clamping device is designed for fixed height objects, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to different object heights deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device incorporates movable components including a slide that can move along the base and wedge elements that can slide to adjust the position of the clamping piece. This dynamic structure allows the device to adapt to different object heights by adjusting the vertical position of the clamping surface while maintaining precise clamping action
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device is designed with universal adaptability to clamp objects of various heights on different substrates. The adjustable mechanism allows the same device to function effectively whether clamping small components or larger objects, eliminating the need for multiple specialized clamping devices
3Ease of operation
If the unlocking force is reduced for ease of operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the locking reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The operator performs a preliminary action by pressing the actuating lever, which initiates the unlocking sequence. This action triggers the wedge elements to move and the toggle levers to disengage from their locked positions, providing a clear and intentional unlocking motion that is easy to perform while maintaining security
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 secure and reliable clamping of objects with different heights by maintaining a locked position and allowing adjustable clamping force, ensuring stability and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
the clamping piece and the at least one actuating arm together form a first toggle lever which is overextended in a closed state of the clamping device, and wherein the at least one connecting lever and the at least one actuating arm together form a second toggle lever which is overextended in the closed state of the clamping device
Implementation Method 2
the clamping device comprises at least one connecting lever and a first wedge element slidably guided at the base, wherein the at least one connecting lever is pivotally connected to the first wedge element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
To create a clamping device, in particular a quick-release clamp, comprising a base, at least one holding arm pivotally connected to the base, at least one actuating arm movably connected to the base, and at least one clamping element pivotally connected to the at least one holding arm and to the at least one actuating arm, which makes it possible to clamp various objects of different heights using the clamping device without having to carry out any modifications and/or adjustments to the clamping device, wherein the clamping device is locked particularly securely and reliably in the closed position, it is proposed that the clamping device comprise a slide movably held on the base, wherein the actuating arm is pivotally connected to the slide, and that the clamping device comprise at least one connecting lever and a first wedge element slidably guided on the base.wherein the at least one connecting lever is pivotally connected to the first wedge element and pivotally connected to the actuating arm, wherein the clamping piece and the actuating arm together form a first toggle lever which is overextended in a closed state of the clamping device, and wherein the at least one connecting lever and the actuating arm together form a second toggle lever which is overextended in the closed state of the clamping device.