Self-Locking Clamp With Integrated Shank-Actuated Knee Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-locking clamps are complex in construction and require separate actuation for locking, making them difficult to use and manufacture efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking clamp design featuring a central part with concave sides, articulated clamping jaws connected via flexible material parts, and shanks with flexible connections that allow for a simplified, integrated locking mechanism, enabling easy actuation and manufacturing through injection molding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate actuation mechanism for the knee joint is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the knee joint actuation function with the shank operation. The shank, when moved, directly actuates the knee joint through an integrated mechanical connection, eliminating the need for a separate actuation mechanism. This combining of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining the self-locking capability through the integrated design of the shank and knee joint components.
Solution Approach 2:
The shank serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, transmits actuation force, and directly controls the knee joint movement. By making the shank multi-functional, the patent eliminates dedicated separate components for knee joint actuation, thereby simplifying the overall construction while ensuring reliable locking through the unified mechanical system.
2Reliability
If a separate actuation mechanism for the knee joint is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the knee joint actuation with the shank movement into a single integrated action. The user operates the shank, which simultaneously actuates the knee joint, reducing the number of separate operations required. This merging improves ease of operation by allowing the user to control both the shank position and knee joint locking in one smooth motion, making the device more user-friendly.
Solution Approach 2:
The shank is designed as a multi-functional component that both supports the structure and controls the knee joint. This universality means the user interacts with a single component (the shank) to achieve both positioning and locking functions, simplifying the operation sequence and improving ease of use compared to systems requiring separate actuation steps.
3Shape
If the knee joint is located at a distance from the shanks, then the structural design is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the knee joint positioning with the shank structure, locating the knee joint in close proximity to the shanks rather than at a distant location. This spatial merging allows the shank movement to directly and efficiently transmit force to the knee joint, improving operational ease by reducing the mechanical leverage distance and making the joint more accessible and controllable during use.
4Weight of moving object
If material is reduced for weight savings, then the weight decreases, but the rigidity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing through holes in the centre part to reduce weight, while carefully maintaining sufficient material in critical areas to preserve rigidity. The holes are strategically positioned to remove non-essential material for weight reduction, while the remaining material distribution ensures that the centre part retains adequate structural strength and stiffness for its load-bearing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The centre part is designed with a porous structure through the inclusion of through holes, creating a lightweight yet sufficiently rigid component. This porous design allows material reduction for weight savings while the strategic placement and sizing of holes ensure that the remaining material maintains the necessary rigidity for the centre part to fulfill its structural role in the clamp assembly.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1F
Figure 2A~2F
Figure 3A~3F
AI summary
The present invention relates to a self-locking clamp that comprises two clamping jaws (7; 107; 207) and two shanks (11; 211) connected to the clamping jaws (7; 107; 207). The clamp in accordance with the present invention is distinguished is that it comprises a central part (1; 201), that at least the one clamping jaw (7; 107) is fastened in an articulated manner to the central part (1; 201) via a first flexible connection (9), that at least the one shank (11) comprises two parts (12, 13) that are connected in an articulated manner to one another at adjacent ends via a second flexible connection (14), that the shank (11) is fastened in an articulated manner via a third flexible connection (15) to the one clamping jaw (7; 107), that the shank (11) is fastened in an articulated manner via a fourth flexible connection (17) to the central part (1; 201), and that the central part (1; 201) is formed in such a manner that the one shank (11) can assume a snapped-over position following the central part (1; 201).