Self-Clamping Support Device with Adjustable Hinge Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional support devices for items like doors are cumbersome, difficult to transport, and require manual actuation for clamping, making it hard for a single person to position and clamp items effectively, especially when dealing with different sizes and shapes.

Innovation Solution

A support device with user-actuable adjustment means that allows clamping members to move relative to each other, enabling easy adjustment of the space between them without needing special tools, utilizing a hinge or pivot arrangement and resilient biasing means to facilitate hands-free operation and accommodate various sizes and shapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual actuation of clamping means is provided on a jig, then the device can clamp items securely, but it becomes difficult for a single person to locate and clamp items simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping securityVSAvoidsingle-person operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support device automatically clamps the item when placed on the base. The item's weight causes the clamping members to move towards each other through the hinge arrangement, securing the item without requiring manual actuation. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by making the device both secure and easy for single-person operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional jigs are designed to support different sized objects, then they can accommodate various items, but they become large and not easily transportable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different sizesVSAvoiddevice portability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The support device incorporates adjustable clamping members that can be repositioned along the base to accommodate different sized items. The hinge arrangement allows the clamping members to pivot and adjust their position dynamically. This dynamic adjustability provides versatility for different sizes while keeping the device compact and portable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If adjustment mechanisms with pre-determined positions are used, then the space between clamping members can be adjusted, but only at fixed intervals corresponding to aperture spacing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace adjustment capabilityVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical adjustment mechanism with a simpler system. The protrusion member with slot and resilient biasing means allows continuous adjustment of the clamping members' position along the base, eliminating the need for pre-determined aperture positions. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining adjustability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If slots and bolts with special tools are used for adjustment, then clamping portions can be positioned, but access to bolts is restricted making adjustment difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning capabilityVSAvoidadjustment accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the adjustment function from the clamping members themselves. The protrusion member with slot allows the clamping members to be adjusted independently without restricting access. The resilient biasing means provides automatic positioning, eliminating the need for restricted-access bolts and special tools, thereby improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 quick and easy adjustment of the support device to fit different sized items without requiring additional tools, allowing for efficient and hands-free use, enhancing usability and versatility in supporting various items.

Implementation Method 1

Resilient biasing means are typically associated with the hinge arrangement for biasing the clamping members to a clamped position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8757604B2Support device and method of use

Publication Date: 2014.06.24 CRAMPTON DAVID

AI summary

A support device (2) is provided for supporting one or more items (4) in use. The support device includes at least first and second clamping members (6, 8). The clamping members move relative to each other to allow the members to be moved between clamped and unclamped positions. Each clamping member has at least one clamping surface (26, 24) defined thereon, The at least first and second clamping members are arranged with a space (30) defined between the clamping surfaces to allow the one or more items (4) to be located in said space in use and to be clamped therebetween in said clamped position. The support device further includes adjustment means for allowing the space between the clamping surfaces to be adjusted in use. The adjustment means includes user actuation means (231, 233) and actuation of said actuation means causes at least one of said at least first and second clamping members to move relative to the other of said at least first and second clamping members.