Side Clamp Assembly for Full-Surface Workpiece Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece clamps either prevent machining of the upper surface or provide inadequate bidirectional clamping, failing to securely retain the workpiece during machining when forces are applied in directions not aligned with the clamping force.
Innovation Solution
A clamp assembly that applies simultaneous horizontal and vertical clamping forces to the workpiece from the side, without any clamp protruding above the workpiece surface, using a retention rib and clamping portion design with fasteners to securely hold the workpiece in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If upper clamping is used to secure the workpiece within the machining device, then the workpiece is retained securely, but the machining device cannot machine substantially all or all of the upper surface of the workpiece
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp transitions from traditional vertical upper-surface clamping to side clamping, applying forces in both vertical and horizontal directions along the side of the workpiece. This dimensional change in clamping approach allows the entire upper surface to be machined without interference while maintaining secure workpiece retention.
2Device complexity
If unidirectional clamping force is applied in just the horizontal or vertical direction, then the clamp structure is simple, but the clamp cannot retain the workpiece securely when machining forces are applied in directions not aligned with the clamping force
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp merges vertical and horizontal clamping capabilities into a single integrated device. The clamp portion applies vertical clamping force while the retention rib applies horizontal clamping force, combining multiple clamping directions in one structure to securely retain the workpiece under multi-directional machining forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp becomes a multi-functional device that simultaneously provides vertical clamping, horizontal clamping, and positional retention. This universal clamp design handles multiple clamping requirements that would traditionally require separate clamping mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp for retaining a workpiece onto a fixture whereby the method of connecting the clamp to the fixture provides for a simultaneous combination of both horizontal and vertical clamping forces against the workpiece without locating any portion of the clamp above the upper surface of the workpiece.