Universal Holding Clamp Synchronization via Segmented Rack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp holders suffer from unstable synchronization of clamping jaws, leading to insecure object retention, exposure of synchronization mechanisms causing injuries and wear, limited one-handed operation, and dependence on gravity for clamping force, restricting their versatility and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A universal clamp holder with a toothed rack mechanism that provides play-free and synchronous movement of clamping jaws, utilizing a spring-loaded rack for consistent clamping force and protected synchronization, allowing one-handed operation and secure clamping of various objects regardless of installation position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connecting linkage with crossing arms and parallel guide is used for synchronization, then the clamping jaws can be moved synchronously, but the guide becomes unstable and cannot transmit high rotational forces
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting linkage is segmented into two separate toothings (first toothing on left clamping jaw, second toothing on right clamping jaw) that engage with a central rack. This segmentation allows each clamping jaw to be independently driven while maintaining synchronization through the common rack, resolving the contradiction between stability and force transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
A rack serves as an intermediary element between the two clamping jaws. The rack engages with both toothings and translates rotational movement from one clamping jaw into synchronized rotational movement of the other clamping jaw, enabling stable synchronization while transmitting high forces through the meshing toothed engagement.
2Ease of operation
If the synchronization mechanism is exposed for ease of operation, then the clamping jaws can be operated manually, but the mechanism is exposed to injuries, contamination and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization mechanism (rack and toothings) is nested within the base plate structure. The rack is received in a recess in the base plate, and the entire mechanism is covered by a cover that is part of the base plate assembly. This nesting protects the mechanism from contamination and wear while maintaining operational functionality through the gear engagement.
3Device complexity
If gravity is used for pre-tensioning clamping jaws, then the structure is simple, but the clamping force is insufficient and limited to specific orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping force mechanism is made dynamic through the rack-and-toothing system. Instead of relying on static gravitational pre-tensioning, the system allows active control of clamping force through the engagement of the rack with the toothings, enabling the clamping jaws to exert sufficient force on objects regardless of installation orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack-and-toothing mechanism provides multi-functionality: it synchronizes the movement of both clamping jaws, provides the primary clamping force, and enables operation in any installation orientation. This universal mechanism replaces the gravity-dependent pre-tensioning system, allowing the clamp holder to function reliably in horizontal, vertical, or inclined positions.
4Reliability
If a self-locking mechanism is provided in the open state, then the clamping jaws remain open securely, but one-handed operation becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The self-locking mechanism is extracted or removed from the design. Instead of providing automatic locking in the open state, the system relies on the rack-and-toothing engagement to maintain synchronized positioning. This extraction enables one-handed operation while maintaining sufficient stability through the mechanical engagement of the gear elements.
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
Ensures secure and stable clamping of objects of different shapes and sizes, including thin ones, with reduced risk of injury and wear, enabling one-handed operation and versatility in installation positions, while protecting the synchronization mechanism from contamination and damage.
Implementation Method 1
the rack is pulled into a specific starting position under spring loading, the spring force being preferably achieved by a tension spring
Implementation Method 2
the spring preload of the rack ensures that regardless of the installation position of the clamp holder, the clamping jaws always move into a spring-loaded starting position
Implementation Method 3
the gear element for transmitting the rotary or pivoting movement of the clamping jaws assigned to one another is formed by a toothed rack
Implementation Method 4
a toothed rack mechanism that provides play-free and synchronous movement of clamping jaws
Implementation Method 5
two clamping jaws (10, 11) which are arranged on opposite sides of the insertion gap (23) and can pivot around two axle journals (3, 4) arranged in a base plate (1) in a rotationally fixed manner
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a holding clamp having two clamping jaws (10, 11), which are located opposite each other in mirror-image fashion relative to a baseplate (1) and can be rotated as a function of each other and at a distance from each other on axle pins (3, 4) arranged on the baseplate (1), wherein the clamping jaws (10, 11) are connected to axle sleeves (5, 6), which are mounted on the axle pins (3, 4) such that they can rotate, and a synchronization mechanism for transmitting the pivoting movement from one clamping jaw (10, 11) to the other is formed from at least one toothed gear element, wherein the gear element is formed by a rack (25) which, at each of the two opposite ends thereof, carries a toothed part (28), which is respectively in toothed engagement with a respective partial toothing system (7, 8) on the outer circumference of the axle sleeve (5, 6) of the clamping jaw (10, 11).