Actuated Toggle Clamp Linkage for Workspace and Clamping Force
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Actuator-driven toggle clamps face challenges in optimizing working space for attaching and detaching clamped objects while managing the space occupied by the clamp itself.
Innovation Solution
A toggle clamp design featuring an actuator for linear reciprocating movement, a base plate with an arc-shaped hole, a clamp arm with a clamping action portion, and a link member connected via multiple shafts, allowing for improved clamping pressure and controlled space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the clamp structure is made compact to reduce space occupancy, then the space occupied by the clamp is reduced, but the working space for attaching and detaching clamped objects becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp employs a dynamic toggle mechanism with multiple shafts (second shaft, fourth shaft, fifth shaft) that enables the structure to transform between extended and compact configurations. During clamping operation, the mechanism extends to provide sufficient working space, and when not in use, it retracts to minimize space occupancy, thus resolving the contradiction between compactness and operational accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes spatial transformation by arranging the toggle mechanism components (base plate, clamp arm, link member) in a multi-dimensional configuration. The arc-shaped long hole and the positioning of shafts allow the clamp to expand in specific dimensions during operation while maintaining a compact footprint in other dimensions, effectively providing working space without increasing overall space occupancy.
2Force
If the toggle mechanism is configured to improve clamping pressure, then the clamping pressure is enhanced, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp arm is divided into multiple segments connected by shafts (third shaft, fourth shaft), allowing each segment to contribute to the force multiplication effect. This segmented structure enables the toggle mechanism to achieve high clamping pressure through progressive force transmission while keeping each individual component relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple functional elements into integrated components: the base plate incorporates both the mounting function and the guide function through the arc-shaped long hole; the link member simultaneously connects the clamp arm and base plate while providing structural support. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the force-enhancing toggle mechanism.
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
Enhances clamping pressure to secure objects while providing sufficient working space for attachment and detachment, effectively managing the clamp's spatial occupancy.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator configured to allow linear reciprocating movement of a first shaft in a direction orthogonal to the first shaft
Implementation Method 2
the toggle mechanism configured via the second shaft, fourth shaft, and fifth shaft can improve the clamping pressure to secure the clamped object
Implementation Method 3
a base member rotatably supporting the base plate via a second shaft, and rotationally supporting the clamp arm via a third shaft
Data Source
AI summary
The workspace is sufficiently secured while controlling the occupied space. A toggle clamp includes: an actuator capable of linear reciprocating movement of a first shaft; a base plate having an arc-shaped long hole in which the first shaft is slidably fitted; a clamp arm; a base member that rotatably supports the base plate via a second shaft and rotatably supports the clamp arm via a third shaft; and a link member rotatably connected to the clamp arm via a fourth axis and rotatably connected to the base plate via a fifth shaft. In the released state, the fourth shaft is located away from a straight line connecting respective axis centers of the second and fifth shafts. In the fixed state, the fourth shaft is located on a straight line connecting the second and fifth shafts.