Removable Handle Clamping Device for Interference-Free Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual clamps with handles extending beyond the workpiece interfere with users, causing realignment and potential removal issues, while handles are essential for applying force.

Innovation Solution

A clamping device with a removable handle that includes a toggle mechanism and latching system, allowing the handle to be secured and later removed, enabling the clamp to be operated without interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If handles are made long to provide leverage for opening the clamp, then the force required to open the clamp is reduced and clamping force is increased, but the handles interfere with the user and require realignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping forceVSAvoiduser accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is designed to be movable between a stored position (retracted into the clamp body) and an operational position (extended for leverage). This dynamic configuration allows the handle to provide maximum leverage when needed while being retracted to avoid interfering with the user during clamping operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp is divided into separate functional components: the clamp body, the movable handle, and the latching mechanism. This segmentation allows the handle to be independently positioned and retracted, separating the leverage function from the clamping function to resolve the interference problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If handles are made removable to eliminate interference, then user accessibility is improved, but the complexity of the clamping system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser accessibilityVSAvoidclamp structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is designed to nest within the clamp body when not in use, with the handle storing inside a recess or cavity portion of the clamp body. This nesting arrangement eliminates interference with the user while maintaining a compact, integrated structure that does not significantly increase overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle and clamp body are merged into a single integrated assembly where the handle can be positioned, secured, and retracted as part of the clamp system. The latching mechanism is combined with the handle structure, allowing the handle to be securely attached and easily removed without requiring separate components, thus reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single handle is used with multiple clamps, then versatility is improved, but the reliability of secure attachment decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle compatibilityVSAvoidattachment security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is designed with universal compatibility to be used with multiple different clamp types. The handle incorporates a standardized interface and latching mechanism that can securely attach to various clamp configurations, allowing one handle to serve multiple functions while maintaining reliable attachment through consistent latching engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9254555B2Clamping device with removable handles

Publication Date: 2016.02.09 STABILUS MOTION CONTROLS GMBH

AI summary

A clamping device has a removable handle to move a clamp between an opened and clamped position. A receiving member is on the clamp to receive the handle. The handle has a latching member to couple with the receiving member. An actuating member is coupled with the handle to move the clamp from an opened to clamped position. A release mechanism is coupled with the clamp or handle to move the clamp from a clamped to an opened position.