Sliding Clamp Mechanism for Fast Workpiece Thickness Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamping systems, such as those with lead screw mechanisms, require significant time and effort to adjust to workpieces of different thicknesses, hindering productivity in applications like miter saw assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A clamping apparatus with a shaft and clamping mechanism that includes a sliding or telescoping mechanism for height adjustment, allowing for quick and easy accommodation of various workpiece thicknesses, and an extendable leg with a pinch-lock or detent-lock mechanism for position changes, facilitating rapid clamping and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a lead screw type mechanism is used for height adjustment, then the clamp can accommodate workpieces of different thicknesses, but it requires significant time and effort for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional lead screw type mechanism with a sliding mechanism featuring a smooth bore and shaft configuration. This substitution eliminates the threaded engagement that requires repeated twisting motions, allowing the clamp height to be adjusted by simple linear sliding movements, thereby significantly reducing adjustment time while maintaining adaptability to different workpiece thicknesses
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic adjustment system where the clamp can be quickly repositioned along the shaft using a sliding mechanism. The system allows for rapid movement between different height positions through a simple latch or detent mechanism, enabling the clamp to adapt dynamically to various workpiece thicknesses without the time-consuming operations associated with lead screw mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If a lead screw type mechanism is used for height adjustment, then the clamp can accommodate workpieces of different thicknesses, but it requires significant effort for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the lead screw type mechanism with a sliding mechanism where the clamp moves linearly along a smooth bore and shaft. This eliminates the need for repeated twisting motions required by threaded mechanisms, reducing the physical effort needed for adjustment to simple sliding movements that can be performed with minimal force
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the clamp can be easily repositioned along the shaft through a sliding mechanism with minimal friction. The use of smooth surfaces and a simple latch or detent system allows for effortless adjustment, making the clamp easy to operate while maintaining versatility across different workpiece thicknesses
Data Source
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AI summary
A clamping apparatus includes a shaft (165); a base body (160) that is adjustable to different positions, e.g., heights, along the shaft (165); a clamping leg (105) arranged to pivot into a first clamping position and a second (150B) clamping position; an arm (140) that includes, and extends between, a first end portion (105C, 400A) connected to the base body (160) and a second end portion (105D, 400B) connected to the clamping leg (105); and a handle (170, 175) configured to be moved (a) into a first position that locks the position of the base body (160) relative to the shaft (165) and provides a clamping force (800) to the clamping leg (105), and (b) into a second (150B) position in which the base body (160) is free to be shifted into different positions along the shaft (165), where moving the handle (170, 175) into the second (150B) position releases the clamping force (800).