Quick Set Clamp Device One-Handed Spring Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamp devices, such as C clamps and slide clamps, require two hands to operate, limiting their quickness and accessibility, especially when securing objects with depressions or cavities, and often obstruct access to these features due to their design.

Innovation Solution

A quick set clamp device with a 'C' configured frame, featuring a slide shaft operated by the thumb, a biasing member, and a retaining mechanism that allows one-handed operation, providing sufficient space between engagement members for easy access to object cavities and allowing multiple devices to be positioned adjacently for uniform pressure application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a C clamp uses a rotating handle mechanism, then sufficient space between engagement members is provided for accessing depressed portions, but the operation time increases due to manual rotation required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement member access to depressed portionsVSAvoidtime required to rotate handle and position engagement members

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded engagement members are pre-positioned in a retracted state, ready to automatically engage with the workpiece when the clamp is applied, eliminating the need for manual rotation to position them

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The spring mechanism automatically positions and engages the engagement members with the workpiece surface when the clamp is applied, without requiring manual rotation or adjustment by the user

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a C clamp uses a rotating handle mechanism, then sufficient space between engagement members is provided for accessing depressed portions, but the operation complexity increases due to two-handed operation requirement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement member access to depressed portionsVSAvoidtwo-handed operation requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring mechanism pre-positions the engagement members and maintains them in a ready-to-engage state, allowing the clamp to be applied and secured with a single hand motion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The spring automatically maintains engagement member positioning and applies force, eliminating the need for continuous manual adjustment and enabling one-handed operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If a slide clamp uses a sliding mechanism, then quick operation is achieved, but the table or base obstructs placement of objects with depressions and cavities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequick operation speedVSAvoidaccess to depressions and cavities

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp body is separated into distinct components with the engagement members positioned on opposite sides of the C-shaped frame, creating sufficient space between them to access depressed portions of the workpiece

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement members are positioned in a configuration that provides three-dimensional access to the workpiece surface, allowing them to reach into cavities and depressed areas that would be blocked by a traditional slide clamp base

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 rapid, one-handed securement and release of objects, maintaining engagement force through a cooperative binding and retaining mechanism, reducing the risk of damage to fragile objects and facilitating efficient use in various configurations.

Implementation Method 1

a spring having a first end that engages an outer first end portion of the clamp frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a biasing member adjacently disposed to the slide shaft, the biasing member having a first end that engages an outer first end portion of the clamp frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7387296B2Quick set clamp device

Publication Date: 2008.06.17 ALBERTI JOHN L

AI summary

A quick set clamp device 10 includes a clamp frame 12, a slide shaft 14 having a longitudinal dimension that cooperates with the clamp frame 12 to removably secure the clamp frame device 10 to an object, a biasing member 16 adjacently disposed to the slide shaft 14, the biasing member 16 having a first end 18 that engages an outer first end portion 20 of the clamp frame 12, a binding member 22 having a first portion that slidably engages the slide shaft 14, a retaining member 26 retractably secured to the outer first end portion 20 of the clamp frame 12, the retaining member 26 engaging a second portion 28 of the binding member 22, a first engagement member 30 secured to a first end 32 of the slide shaft 14, and a second engagement member 34 secured to an inner second end portion 36 of the clamp frame 12.