Machine Vise Stop Arm and Clamp for Deform-Free Rod Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine vise work stop devices face issues such as clearance problems, lack of adjustability, deformation of materials during adjustments, and failure of associated fasteners, which hinder precise positioning and damage the tool.

Innovation Solution

A stop device comprising an L-shaped mounting bracket, an elongated stop arm with a slot, a pivot clamp, and a stop clamp with a dual-purpose screw, allowing for adjustable positioning and secure locking of the stop arm in both Y and Z directions, and enabling top-loading and removal of stop rods without deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If existing work stop devices use elastic deformation of material to function, then the stop device can be simple in structure, but the material is constantly deformed and damaged reducing reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestop device structureVSAvoidmaterial deformation damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the fundamental operating parameter from elastic deformation to mechanical interlocking through a series of gears. The stop arm engages with a star wheel gear, and adjustment is achieved through a rack and pinion mechanism rather than deforming material. This eliminates material damage while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the traditional elastic deformation mechanism with a pure mechanical gear-based positioning system. The stop arm connects to a star wheel gear which meshes with a rack gear driven by an adjustment knob, creating a rigid mechanical positioning system that avoids material deformation entirely

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If existing work stop devices use fixed positioning, then the structure is simple, but the adjustability is limited reducing versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning mechanismVSAvoidadjustability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transforms the static fixed positioning into a dynamic adjustable system. The stop arm can be positioned at any angle from 0 to 90 degrees relative to the vise axis through the rack and pinion mechanism, allowing continuous adjustment while maintaining a relatively simple gear-based structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a multi-functional positioning system that can accommodate various workpiece sizes and shapes. The adjustable stop arm angle and the ability to use different sized set screws provide universal adaptability across different machining scenarios while keeping the overall mechanism compact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If existing work stop devices use material deformation for adjustment, then the positioning can be achieved, but the manufacturing precision is reduced due to constant deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidadjustment process

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the adjustment mechanism from material deformation to precise gear engagement. The rack and pinion system provides exact, repeatable positioning without deforming any material, maintaining manufacturing precision while improving ease of operation through a simple knob-based adjustment interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The gear mechanism provides self-locking capability where the meshing gears naturally maintain the positioned state without requiring additional locking mechanisms or material deformation to hold the position, making the system both precise and easy to operate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Device complexity

If existing work stop devices have fixed fasteners, then the structure is simple, but the fasteners fail under constant stress reducing reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening mechanismVSAvoidfastener failure

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces static fasteners with a dynamic gear-based locking system. The stop arm is secured through engagement with the star wheel gear and rack mechanism, which provides continuous mechanical interlocking without relying on fasteners under constant stress, thereby eliminating fastener failure while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12285846B1Machine vise stop device

Publication Date: 2025.04.29 OMDAHL RITCHIE LEE

AI summary

A stop device having a L shaped mounting bracket secured to a machine vise by a mounting bracket screw, a stop arm having an elongated slot extended within the stop arm and running in a parallel direction to a length of the stop arm, a pivot clamp and pivot clamp screw connected to the elongated slot and attaching the stop arm to the mounting bracket along a length side of a machine vise, the stop arm moveable in both an Y and Z direction and lockable by the pivot clamp, a fixed jaw located at the second end of the stop arm and a stop clamp attached to the second end of the stop arm by stop clamp screw, the stop clamp including an adjustable jaw facing the fixed jaw of the stop arm with the stop clamp screw enabling changes to a distance between the jaws to allow the jaws to hold and support a portion of a stop rod having varying shapes and sizes in a fixed, deform-free condition therebetween.