Self-Centering Vise Adapters for Multi-Axis Machining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vises restrict multiple-axis machining due to limited access to workpiece sides, require complex setups, and struggle with irregular geometries, leading to alignment errors and increased production time and costs.

Innovation Solution

A dual adapter configuration with dovetail protrusions for securely holding machinable jaws, allowing for versatile and precise multiple-axis machining without repositioning, adaptable to various workpiece geometries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional vises are used, then simplicity and durability are maintained, but multiple-axis machining capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple-axis machining capabilityVSAvoidvise structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vise is divided into modular components: a base, multiple independent adapters (first adapter, second adapter, etc.), and interchangeable machinable jaws. Each adapter can be independently attached to movable platforms on the base, allowing selective configuration for different machining needs without redesigning the entire vise structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapters are designed with universal dovetail protrusions that can securely hold various types of machinable jaws. The same adapter structure can accommodate different jaw configurations (first machinable jaw, second machinable jaw, etc.), enabling the vise to perform multiple-axis machining operations with a single device rather than requiring specialized fixtures for each operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If standard vise jaws are used, then regular geometric shapes are easily held, but irregular geometries and delicate features are difficult to secure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece geometry adaptabilityVSAvoidsetup complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The vise system employs interchangeable machinable jaws that can be selected and attached based on the specific workpiece geometry. Rather than a fixed jaw structure, the system allows dynamic reconfiguration by swapping jaws to match irregular shapes or delicate features, making the vise adaptable to diverse workpiece types without complex custom fixtures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adapters serve as intermediary components between the vise base and the workpiece. These adapters provide a standardized interface (dovetail protrusions) that connects various machinable jaws to the vise, simplifying the setup process by eliminating the need for direct customization of the vise structure for each workpiece geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If complex fixtures are used for multiple-axis machining, then machining precision is improved, but setup time and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adapters are pre-configured with dovetail protrusions designed to securely hold machinable jaws in precise positions. This preliminary design of the attachment mechanism ensures that when workpieces are set up, the jaws are already positioned for accurate alignment, reducing the need for time-consuming adjustments and measurements during the setup process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows changing the configuration parameters of the vise by swapping adapters and machinable jaws rather than redesigning the entire fixture. This parameter change approach enables quick adaptation to different workpiece requirements while maintaining precision, avoiding the time loss associated with building complex custom fixtures for each machining task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If traditional vise setups are used, then production costs are controlled, but adaptability to various workpiece shapes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece shape accommodationVSAvoidadapter and jaw configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vise system employs a porous or modular architecture where multiple functional components (adapters, machinable jaws) can be selectively combined. The base provides a framework with multiple attachment points, allowing the configuration to be expanded or modified by adding or removing adapters and jaws as needed, rather than requiring a completely different vise for each workpiece type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Data Source

PatentUS20250332693A1Apparatus for attachment to self centering vise

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 ROGUE GATOR LLC

AI summary

A device for attachment to a self-centering vise includes a first adapter including one or more bores configured for attachment to a first movable platform within a base of the vise, and one or more holes, the first adapter having a dovetail protrusion on its top surface, configured for securely holding a first machinable jaw, a fastening device configured for attachment to the first adapter via the one or more holes, wherein the fastening device includes a dovetail protrusion configured for securely holding the first machinable jaw, a second adapter opposed to the first adapter for holding a second machinable jaw, and, wherein the first and second machinable jaws are configured for securely holding a workpiece for machining.