Two-Workpiece Clamping Structure for Precise Aligned Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for clamping two workpieces together often result in misalignment or require excessive moving parts, making them inconvenient for direct assembly into a third component.

Innovation Solution

A clamping device with a first body connected to a second body via a first driving mechanism, allowing vertical movement, and a second clamping block connected via a second driving mechanism for lateral movement, with slots for workpiece insertion and blocking parts to prevent misalignment, utilizing cylinder mechanisms for practical operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a larger clamping component is used to gradually clamp two workpieces together from outer ends, then the clamping force is sufficient, but misalignment occurs during the clamping process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping forceVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping device is divided into two separate clamping blocks (first clamping block and second clamping block), each responsible for clamping one workpiece independently. This segmentation allows each block to apply clamping force locally without causing misalignment of the entire assembly, resolving the contradiction between sufficient clamping force and alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The two clamping blocks are merged into a single integrated device with coordinated movement through the first and second driving mechanisms. This merging ensures that both workpieces are clamped simultaneously and precisely, maintaining alignment while providing sufficient clamping force through the combined action of both blocks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If two separate clamping components are used to hold each workpiece, then alignment is maintained, but more moving parts are required making it inconvenient to assemble into a third component

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidnumber of moving parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Two separate clamping components are merged into a single integrated clamping device with a unified structure. The first and second clamping blocks are part of the same device body, reducing the total number of independent moving parts while maintaining the ability to clamp both workpieces with precise alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both clamping and positioning operations simultaneously. The first and second driving mechanisms coordinate to provide both alignment and clamping functions in one device, eliminating the need for separate components and simplifying the assembly process into a third component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If separate movable clamping jaw mechanisms are used for each workpiece, then each workpiece is clamped independently, but more space is occupied which is not beneficial for subsequent assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent clamping capabilityVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Two independent clamping jaw mechanisms are merged into a compact integrated structure where the first and second clamping blocks share a common body and coordinated driving mechanisms. This merging maintains independent clamping capability for each workpiece while significantly reducing the overall space occupied compared to separate mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping blocks and driving mechanisms are arranged in a nested or compact configuration where components are positioned efficiently within the device body. The first and second driving mechanisms are integrated in a way that minimizes the footprint, allowing independent clamping operation within a reduced space envelope.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 device ensures precise clamping with minimal parts, facilitating easy assembly into a third component by maintaining workpiece alignment and reducing space occupation.

Implementation Method 1

the first driving mechanism and the second driving mechanism are also using a cylinder mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCylinder mechanism:

Implementation Method 2

the first driving mechanism and the second driving mechanism are also using a cylinder mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCylinder mechanism:

Data Source

PatentEP4585359A1A clamping device for two workpieces
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 GLOBAL MFG PARTNERS HLDG
  • EP4585359A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4585359A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4585359A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

This invention introduces a two-workpiece clamping device . The arrangement of a first driving mechanism on the first body facilitates the vertical movement of the second body. This movement drives a first clamping block to descend into position, clamping the first workpiece with the first slot and simultaneously driving a second clamping block to descend into position to clamp the second workpiece with the second slot. The setup of the second driving mechanism, as well as the first blocking part on the first clamping block and the second blocking part on the second clamping block, makes it efficient to drive the second clamping block closer to the first clamping block, effectively clamping the first and second workpieces together.