Vice With Partial Thread Adjusting Nut

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vises are time-consuming to use due to the slow movement of the movable front jaw, which only moves by one pitch with each rotation of the handle, making it inefficient for clamping workpieces.

Innovation Solution

A vice design featuring a partial thread on the adjusting nut with a semicircular cross-section that merges into a curved recess, allowing the spindle to engage or disengage, enabling free displacement of the front jaw and quick adjustment of the jaw distance, along with a guide bolt and locking mechanism for enhanced stability and ease of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the movable front jaw is moved by one pitch of the screw spindle with each rotation of the handle, then the vice structure is simple, but the operation time is excessive and efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping efficiencyVSAvoidtime-consuming operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adjusting nut is segmented into two functional zones: a curved recess portion for rapid positioning and a partial thread portion for secure clamping. This segmentation allows the operator to quickly move the jaw to the desired position using the curved recess, then engage the thread for precise clamping, thereby reducing overall operation time while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adjusting nut transitions from a static threaded structure to a dynamic system with two modes: rapid adjustment mode using the curved recess and precision clamping mode using the partial thread. This dynamic functionality enables the jaw to be quickly positioned and then securely clamped, improving productivity without adding complex mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the spindle is constantly engaged with the full thread, then the clamping function is continuous, but the adjustment range and flexibility are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejaw displacement freedomVSAvoidclamping function reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The thread is segmented into a partial thread on the adjusting nut, creating distinct zones for different functions. The curved recess allows free movement and positioning of the spindle, while the partial thread provides reliable engagement when needed. This segmentation enables both unrestricted adjustment and reliable clamping without compromising either function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a full thread engagement, the invention employs a partial thread that engages only when clamping is required. This partial engagement provides sufficient reliability for the clamping function while allowing greater freedom for adjustment and positioning, thereby improving adaptability without sacrificing essential functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of operation

If the adjusting nut is added with curved recess and partial thread, then the adjustment speed is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequick adjustment capabilityVSAvoidadjusting nut structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjusting nut is designed to perform multiple functions within a single component: it provides rapid positioning through the curved recess, secure clamping through the partial thread, and maintains rotational adjustment capability. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate rapid adjustment mechanisms, improving ease of operation without significantly increasing overall device complexity

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

Solution Approach 2:

The curved recess and partial thread are merged into a single adjusting nut component rather than being separate elements. This integration allows the nut to provide both rapid adjustment and secure clamping functions in one piece, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the quick adjustment capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Manufacturing precision

If the guide bolt is added for stability, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejaw alignment precisionVSAvoidguide mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide bolt acts as an intermediary element that provides lateral guidance and stability for the spindle movement. By introducing this simple guiding component, the system achieves better positioning accuracy and jaw alignment without requiring complex guidance mechanisms, thereby improving precision with minimal increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables rapid adjustment and clamping of workpieces with improved stability and ease of operation, allowing for efficient clamping and releasing without restrictions.

Implementation Method 1

a threaded spindle (3), one end of which has a handle (4) that is rotatably mounted in the front jaw (2), the threaded spindle (3) having an external thread that corresponds to an internal thread arranged on the buttock (101)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThread mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

the threaded spindle (3) in the toe piece (21) is preloaded by a spring (16). This counteracts possible play between the toe piece (21) and the threaded spindle (3) with the handle (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring preload: Spring

Implementation Method 3

The threaded spindle preferably has a self-locking trapezoidal thread. This results in a high and optimally distributed clamping force for quick opening and closing of the vice

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSelf-locking thread: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP1884317B1Vice with quick adjustment of the mobile jaw
Publication Date: 2009.10.07 BROCKHAUS HEUER GMBH
  • EP1884317B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1884317B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1884317B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The vice has a front flange movable along a guide bolt relative to a rear flange by a threaded spindle, whose end having a handle is rotatably supported in the front flange. The spindle has a double-barreled trapezoidal thread, which corresponds with an internal thread that is arranged at the rear flange. The internal thread is inserted in an adjustment nut (6) that is arranged in the rear flange, and implemented as a partial thread (631). A recess (63) is designed in such a manner that the spindle is brought in contact inside and/or outside with the partial thread by turning the nut.