Self-centering Vise Micro-adjustment via Elongate Slot Guide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional self-centering vise structures lack the ability to adjust the center location, leading to decreased working precision due to a fixed positioning unit that cannot be adjusted.

Innovation Solution

A self-centering vise structure with a positioning unit featuring elongate slots and locking screws that allow for micro-adjustment of the central location by moving the positioning unit relative to the vise body, enabling precise center alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the positioning unit is affixed to the vise body with fixed location, then the structure is simple and stable, but the center location cannot be adjusted leading to decreased working precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecenter location precisionVSAvoidpositioning unit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning unit is designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The locking screws can be loosened to allow the positioning unit to move along the guide way, enabling center location adjustment, and then tightened to fix the position. This transforms the static positioning structure into a dynamic one that can adapt to different centering requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning unit is separated from the fixed structure and made as an independent adjustable component. By dividing the positioning function into a separate unit that can move independently along the guide way, the system gains flexibility while maintaining structural clarity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the positioning unit location is fixed, then the structure is stable, but the adjustment function is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecenter adjustment capabilityVSAvoidpositioning unit adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning unit incorporates self-adjustment capability through the locking screw mechanism. The user can independently adjust the position by loosening and tightening the screws without requiring external tools or complex procedures, making the system self-sufficient for its own positioning needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If locking screws are used to affix the positioning unit, then the positioning is secure, but the adjustment process is complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning unit stabilityVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locking screws are pre-positioned in the positioning unit structure, ready for quick engagement. The elongate slots are pre-designed to align with the guide way, allowing the positioning unit to be quickly inserted and secured without complex alignment procedures, reducing adjustment time while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11472003B2Self-centering vise structure

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 HSU WEI CHIEH

AI summary

A self-centering vise structure includes a vise body, a guide screw, a positioning unit, a first movable jaw unit, and a second movable jaw unit. The vise body is provided with a guide way. The positioning unit is provided with two fixed portions each provided with an elongate slot. The positioning unit is provided with two locking screws each extending through the elongate slot of each of the two fixed portions and is screwed into the guide way of the vise body. The elongate slot of each of the two fixed portions is moved relative to each of the two locking screws, and the positioning unit is moved relative to the vise body, to micro-adjust a central location of the self-centering vise structure.