Small-Part Clamp Assembly With Self-Aligning Parallel Pads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard clamps lack control of parallelism between clamp pads, leading to out-of-parallel conditions that can damage small parts with small surface areas due to higher local pressure required for securing.
Innovation Solution
A small-part clamp assembly with adjustable clamp jaws and a size pin to maintain parallelism between clamp surfaces, allowing for even pressure distribution and reduced likelihood of part damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If standard clamps are used to secure small parts, then clamping force is applied, but the clamp pads rotate to an out-of-parallel condition increasing local pressure and likelihood of part damage
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly allows the clamp pads to dynamically adjust their orientation through rotation about the size pin axis, enabling them to self-align into a parallel configuration during the clamping process. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the pads maintain optimal contact with the part surface throughout application of clamping force, preventing the out-of-parallel condition that leads to concentrated stress and part damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of pad orientation by allowing rotation about the size pin. This parameter change transforms the pads from a fixed, potentially misaligned configuration to an adjustable configuration where the angle between pad surfaces can be optimized. By controlling this rotational parameter, the system achieves parallel pad alignment that distributes clamping force evenly across the part surface.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If clamp pads are made parallel to distribute pressure evenly, then part damage is reduced, but the clamp structure becomes more complex requiring size pins and rotation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is designed to automatically achieve parallel pad alignment through its own structure and operation. When the movable jaw is actuated, the pads naturally rotate about the size pin to align with the part surface, eliminating the need for external adjustment mechanisms or complex control systems. The size pin itself serves as the rotation axis, integrating the alignment function directly into the clamping action.
Solution Approach 2:
The size pin acts as an intermediary element that facilitates pad alignment. By providing a fixed rotation axis, the size pin mediates between the movable jaw actuation and the pad orientation control. This simple intermediary component enables the complex function of maintaining parallel pad alignment without requiring sophisticated adjustment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If more clamping force is applied to secure small parts with out-of-parallel pads, then the part is more securely held, but the local pressure increases damaging the part
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic rotation capability of the pads allows them to continuously adapt to the part geometry during force application. As clamping force is applied, the pads rotate to maintain optimal contact, ensuring that the force is distributed across the maximum possible surface area. This dynamic adaptation prevents stress concentration even under high clamping loads, securing the part reliably without causing damage.
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
The clamp assembly ensures high parallelism between clamp pads, distributing clamping force over a larger surface area, thereby reducing the pressure required to secure small parts and minimizing damage.
Implementation Method 1
a tightening feature spanning a space between the free jaw and the fixed jaw, wherein the tightening feature is configured to rotate the free jaw about the size pin and move the free jaw pad relative to the fixed jaw pad
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp assembly for securing small parts is described herein. In some embodiments, the clamp assembly comprises a free jaw and a fixed jaw configured to secure a part positioned at a proximal end of the clamp assembly between a free jaw pad and a fixed jaw pad. The free jaw is configured to rotate at least about a size pin positioned at a distal end of the fixed jaw opposite the part. The free jaw is rotated by a tightening feature positioned proximate the free jaw pad and fixed jaw pad at the proximal end. As the tightening feature is actuated, the free jaw pad rotates toward the fixed jaw pad securing the part therebetween when the fixed jaw pad and the free jaw pad are substantially parallel.