Staggered Ratchet Teeth Clamping Force and Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ratchet clamps are awkward and laborious for users to release, as they require applying forces in opposite directions to disengage the clamping arms.
Innovation Solution
A ratchet clamp design featuring two rows of misaligned ratchet teeth and pawls, which maintains structural strength while increasing the engagement area and allowing for smooth tooth skipping, thereby simplifying the release mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single row of ratchet teeth and pawls is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the structural strength and engagement area are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The single row of ratchet teeth is divided into two staggered rows, where each row provides independent engagement points. This segmentation increases the total engagement area and structural strength without requiring a complete redesign of the ratchet mechanism, as each row can be implemented using similar structural elements arranged in a staggered pattern
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet teeth are arranged in two rows along the longitudinal direction of the clamping arm, adding a longitudinal dimension to the engagement structure. This dimensional expansion increases the engagement area and strength while maintaining compatibility with the existing pawl mechanism through staggered positioning
2Area of stationary object
If the ratchet teeth are closely spaced to increase engagement area, then the clamping force distribution improves, but the tooth skipping becomes difficult and may cause tooth breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement area is segmented into two separate rows of ratchet teeth with staggered positioning. This segmentation allows each row to have adequately spaced teeth that can skip smoothly, while the combined engagement area of both rows provides sufficient total engagement surface for effective clamping force distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The staggered arrangement of two ratchet tooth rows acts as an intermediary structure between the pawl and the clamping arm. This intermediate configuration allows the pawl to engage with teeth from both rows in sequence, facilitating smooth tooth skipping while distributing clamping force across a larger engagement area
3Device complexity
If the actuation component is provided on the outside of one clamping arm, then the release mechanism is simplified, but the user must apply forces in opposite directions making operation awkward and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanisms for both clamping arms are merged into a single actuation component. When the user operates this component, it simultaneously controls the disengagement of both ratchet mechanisms, allowing both clamping arms to be released by applying force in a single direction rather than opposite directions
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 design enhances the structural strength and ease of operation by allowing the ratchet teeth and pawls to skip smoothly, reducing the effort required to release the clamped object.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring sleeved on the connecting shaft, the two ends of the torsion spring abutting on the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm, respectively
Implementation Method 2
the first ratchet tooth and the second ratchet tooth are staggered; the first pawl is corresponding to the first ratchet tooth, and the second pawl is corresponding to the second ratchet tooth
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a ratchet clamp comprising a first clamping arm and a second clamping arm which are pivotally connected with each other via a connecting shaft so as to be opened and closed relative to each other, a ratchet assembly, a swing assembly and a control assembly provided between the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm; the ratchet toothed assembly has a plurality of first ratchet teeth and a plurality of second ratchet teeth which are juxtaposed and are misaligned with each other; the swing assembly and the ratchet toothed assembly are moved away from or towards each other with the connecting shaft as the axial center of rotation; a latch member of the control assembly has at least a first pawl and at least a second pawl, a wrench member of the control assembly is used for toggling the latch member to be moved, the first pawls and the second pawls are respectively engaged with the corresponding first ratchet teeth and second ratchet teeth when the latch member is moved to an engaged position, and the first pawls and the second pawls are respectively moved away from the corresponding first ratchet teeth and the second ratchet teeth when the latch member is moved to a released position. With the misaligned ratchet tooth design, the tooth profile may not be reduced, thereby increasing the structural strength, so that the overall clamping force is greatly enhanced.