Edge Pressure Roller Assembly for Large Workpiece Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional clamping apparatuses are inadequate for applying pressure to the edge surfaces of large workpieces, as they are either too small to support the workpiece or not designed for edge pressure application.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising a frame, rollers, a rotation-control member, and biasing members that allows for the application of pressure to the edge surface of a workpiece by rotating and translating rollers to conform to the workpiece's edge, with a tension-based biasing member providing uniform pressure and controlled by the degree of protrusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional clamping apparatuses are used to apply pressure to edge surfaces, then pressure can be applied to small workpieces, but they cannot support large workpieces or apply edge pressure effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability to large workpiecesVSAvoidoperator effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rollers are made rotatable about pivot axes, allowing them to dynamically adapt to the workpiece geometry and operator motion, transforming a static clamping apparatus into a dynamic system that can accommodate large workpieces while requiring minimal operator effort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus transitions from a two-dimensional planar clamping mechanism to a three-dimensional structure with rollers that can rotate about pivot axes perpendicular to the frame, enabling the application of edge pressure to large workpieces in multiple orientations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If hand-held clamps are used for applying edge pressure, then they are simple in design, but they are not suitable for large workpieces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuitability for large workpiecesVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping apparatus is segmented into modular components including a frame, multiple rollers with pivot axes, and biasing members, allowing each component to perform its specific function while collectively enabling the apparatus to handle large workpieces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rollers serve multiple functions: they provide the clamping surface for edge pressure application, act as leverage points for operator engagement, and enable the apparatus to adapt to various workpiece sizes and geometries through rotation about pivot axes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If pressure is applied to edge surfaces of large workpieces, then effective clamping is achieved, but conventional apparatuses cannot maintain pressure without external support

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure maintenanceVSAvoidsupport structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is designed to be self-supporting through the strategic placement of rollers that contact both the workpiece and the operator's hand, creating a self-balancing system where the operator's grip provides the necessary support without requiring additional external structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The biasing members positioned between the rollers provide a counterbalancing force that opposes the workpiece weight and maintains pressure on the edge surface, eliminating the need for external support structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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 efficient and uniform pressure application to large workpieces with minimal operator effort, allowing for one-handed operation and secure retention on the workpiece, while maintaining pressure without external support.

Implementation Method 1

The first biasing member is coupled to the frame and is configured to operate in tension

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Implementation Method 2

The second biasing member is positioned, in compression, between the frame and the rotation-control member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

creating a frictional coupling between the apparatus and the workpiece, which maintains the pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11000887B2Apparatuses and methods for applying pressure to edge surfaces

Publication Date: 2021.05.11 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

An apparatus for applying pressure to at least a portion of an edge surface, which bridges opposing faces of a workpiece, comprises a frame, a first roller, a second roller, a rotation-control member, a first biasing member, and a second biasing member. The first roller and the second roller are coupled to the frame, rotatable relative to the frame about a first pivot axis, and translationally fixed relative to the frame. The rotation-control member is movable relative to the frame, controlling rotation of the first roller and the second roller relative to the frame. The first biasing member is coupled to the frame and is configured to operate in tension. The second biasing member is positioned, in compression, between the frame and the rotation-control member.