Self-locking Clamp Assembly for Vehicle Panel Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp systems for vehicle panels during assembly lack efficient and ergonomic solutions for secure positioning and lifting, particularly in door lift assist processes, as they often compromise on positioning accuracy and ergonomics due to inadequate clamping mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking clamp assembly with a base member, upright member, linkages, and an actuable lever, connected to an air balancer, which engages the vehicle panel from both sides, utilizing a locking protrusion to secure the clamp in place upon pressurization, ensuring accurate and ergonomic lifting and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional clamp mechanism is used to secure vehicle panels, then the clamping force can be sufficient, but the positioning accuracy and ergonomics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly automatically locks onto the vehicle panel through a self-locking mechanism where the clamp member engages with the panel and the linkage system automatically secures itself in position, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while maintaining both strong clamping force and accurate positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage system includes movable components that can dynamically adjust during the clamping process, allowing the clamp to adapt to slight variations in panel positioning while maintaining secure attachment and accurate alignment throughout the operation
2Manufacturing precision
If a secure clamping mechanism is implemented, then positioning accuracy improves, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is divided into distinct functional segments including the base member, upright member, linkage system, and clamp member, each performing a specific function that contributes to overall positioning accuracy without requiring the entire system to be overly complex
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex mechanism to achieve simple clamping, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple linkage-based self-locking mechanism that naturally provides both security and accuracy through its geometric configuration rather than through complex control systems
3Device complexity
If manual clamping operations are used, then the device complexity is low, but the ergonomic performance and lifting efficiency are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical clamping operation is replaced with an automated self-locking mechanism that uses the vehicle panel's own geometry and the linkage system to automatically secure the panel, eliminating manual effort while maintaining simple device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly performs its own positioning and locking functions automatically through the self-locking mechanism, eliminating the need for manual intervention and improving ergonomic performance while keeping the device structure relatively simple
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments are directed to a clamp assembly for use with an air balancer for clamping a vehicle panel. The clamp assembly can include an upright member and a base member configured to engage the vehicle panel from a first side. The clamp assembly can include a first and third linkage connected to the upright member. The clamp assembly can include a second linkage defining a hook and being connected to the upright member. The clamp assembly can include a fourth linkage connected to the upright member with a lever connected to thereto and configured to rotate the fourth linkage. The clamp assembly can include a clamp member connected to the second and fourth linkages and configured to engage the vehicle panel from a second side. The clamp assembly can include a balance member having a locking protrusion and being connected to the first linkage and the third linkage.