Self-adjusting toggle clamp with cam locking mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toggle clamps require sequential pre-adjustment to grip differently sized objects with varying force, which is inefficient and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A self-adjusting toggle clamp with a pivotally coupled cam element and locking mechanism that allows for frictional engagement with a guide, enabling automatic adjustment and clamping of objects without pre-adjustment, using a single clamping link and pressure foot with an actuating lever and compression spring mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing toggle mechanisms are used with adjustment components, then the clamp can accommodate differently sized objects, but sequential pre-adjustment is required which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism automatically adjusts itself to accommodate different object sizes without requiring manual pre-adjustment. The cam element and locking element work together to self-regulate the clamping position and force based on the object being clamped, eliminating the need for operator intervention to reposition adjustment components between different workpieces.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transitions from a static pre-adjusted configuration to a dynamic self-adjusting system. The cam element rotates and the locking element moves along the guide to continuously adapt the clamping parameters during operation, allowing the clamp to dynamically respond to different object sizes and maintain optimal clamping force automatically.
2Force
If existing toggle mechanisms are used with adjustment components, then the clamp can grip objects with varying force, but sequential pre-adjustment is required which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The cam element and locking element combination creates a self-regulating force system. As the cam element rotates during the clamping cycle, it automatically modulates the force applied through the locking element to the object, eliminating the need for separate adjustment components to control gripping force for different objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the position adjustment function and force adjustment function into a single integrated mechanism. The cam element simultaneously controls both the position of the locking element along the guide and the magnitude of the clamping force, reducing the number of separate adjustment components needed while maintaining the ability to adapt to different objects and force requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple clamping links are used to accommodate different orientations, then the clamp becomes more versatile, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting body and clamping link are designed with multi-functional capabilities. The mounting body can accommodate the clamping link in multiple orientations, and the cam element mechanism can adapt its operation to different mounting configurations, allowing a single clamping link to serve multiple functions and orientations rather than requiring separate links for each configuration.
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 easy and efficient gripping of objects of varying sizes with adjustable clamping force, reducing the need for sequential adjustments and improving usability and manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the cam element movable between a first condition permitting the locking element to reciprocate along the guide and a second condition bearing against the guide and canting the locking element into frictional engagement with the guide
Implementation Method 2
The actuating lever and link element move the self adjusting toggle mechanism between a clamping position and an unclamping position, the self adjusting toggle mechanism including an elongated rod with a compression spring axially disposed therearound
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A self adjusting toggle clamp includes a mounting body, mounting apparatus carried by the mounting body and a clamping link movably attached to the mounting body. An actuating lever having a link element is pivotally coupled to the clamping link and movably coupled to the mounting body by a self adjusting toggle mechanism. The self adjusting toggle mechanism includes a guide carried by the mounting body, a locking element carried by the guide for reciprocal and canting movement, an element pivotally coupled to the link element, and a cam element pivotally coupled to the element and pivotally coupled to the locking element. The cam element is movable between a first condition permitting the locking element to reciprocate along the guide and a second condition bearing against the guide and canting the locking element into frictional engagement with the guide.