Toggle-Lever Clamp Adapter for Precise Opening Angle Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices with toggle lever mechanisms and pneumatic or hydraulic drives face challenges in precisely adjusting the opening angle of the clamping element due to limitations in the adapter parts' adjustability and stability.
Innovation Solution
The clamping device incorporates adapter parts with a profiled rod and an insertion area, a fixing element with a form-fitting inner and outer profile, and a transversely adjustable grub screw to securely position the adapter parts relative to each other, allowing precise adjustment of the clamping element's opening angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the adapter parts are made adjustable to allow precise positioning, then the adjustability is improved, but the stability and secure fixation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter parts are designed with a dynamic adjustment mechanism featuring a movable fixing element (screw or clamp) that allows the adapter parts to be positioned at different locations along the rod during operation, while maintaining stable fixation once positioned. This enables the system to transition between adjustable and fixed states as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
A fixing element acts as an intermediary between the adapter parts, providing a mechanism that enables both adjustment and stable fixation. The fixing element mediates between the need for movability and the need for stability, allowing the adapter parts to be securely attached at chosen positions.
2Reliability
If a fixing element is provided to secure the adapter parts, then the stability is improved, but the ease of adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing element is designed to be easily manipulated by the operator without requiring additional tools or complex procedures. The screw or clamp mechanism allows the operator to quickly adjust and secure the adapter parts through simple rotational motion, making the system self-sufficient for its own adjustment needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing mechanism transitions from a locked state during adjustment to a secured state during operation, providing dynamic ease of use. The adapter parts can be freely adjusted when not locked, and the fixing element can be quickly engaged or disengaged to switch between these states.
3Reliability
If the adapter parts are made rigid for stable positioning, then the stability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly is divided into separate components (adapter parts, rod, fixing element) that can be manufactured independently using standard processes, then assembled together. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall manufacturing and assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter parts are designed with universal features such as standard threading, common fastening mechanisms, and interchangeable components that can be used across different configurations. This universality simplifies manufacturing by allowing the use of standardized parts and reduces assembly complexity.
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
This configuration enables precise and stable adjustment of the clamping element's opening angle, enhancing the device's operational efficiency and reliability by ensuring secure fixation and easy adjustment of the adapter parts.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing element (6) that can be braced against both the profiled rod (4) and the insertion area (5) is provided
Implementation Method 2
the inner wall having a profile 7 that fits the profiled rod 4 in a form-fitting manner
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a clamping device, comprising a linearly movable actuator (2) which can be actuated by a drive (1), is configured so as to be operatively connected to a pivotably mounted clamping element (3) via a toggle lever mechanism, and has firstly a drive-side and secondly a toggle lever-side adapter part (2.1, 2.2), wherein the latter are configured such that they can be adjusted with respect to one another in order to fix an opening angle of the clamping element (3). It is provided according to the invention that one of the adapter parts (2.1) has a profiled rod (4) which extends in the actuating direction and the other adapter part (2.2) has a plug-in region (5) for receiving the rod (4), wherein a fixing element (6) which can be clamped both against the profiled rod (4) and against the plug-in region (5) is provided for positionally fixing the adapter parts (2.1, 2.2) with respect to one another.