Vise Support Bolt for One-Handed Clamping of Heavy Workpieces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vises require two-handed operation for heavy workpieces, necessitating additional assistance or unsafe one-legged handling, and existing retrofit solutions are not universally applicable.

Innovation Solution

A support bolt system that allows workpieces to be placed between vise jaws, enabling one-handed operation by providing a stable support surface for the workpiece, allowing the handle to be operated with one hand.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the workpiece is held with both hands to operate the handle, then the workpiece can be securely held, but the operator cannot operate the handle by hand

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure holding of workpieceVSAvoidhandle operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support bolt acts as an intermediary element between the workpiece and the vise structure. It provides a stable support surface that allows the workpiece to be securely held while freeing the operator's hands to operate the handle. The support bolt transfers the weight and stability function from the operator's hands to the vise structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a second person is involved to hold the workpiece, then the workpiece can be securely held and the handle operated, but time is lost and productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure holding of workpieceVSAvoidoperating time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The vise system becomes self-servicing through the support bolt mechanism. The support bolt automatically provides the necessary support and stability for heavy workpieces without requiring external assistance. The operator can independently place the workpiece on the support bolt and operate the handle, making the system self-sufficient for handling heavy loads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the worker stands on one leg to turn the lever with thigh, then the lever can be turned without assistance, but the operation is cumbersome and dangerous

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelever operation without assistanceVSAvoidsafety of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support bolt serves as a mediator that eliminates the need for unsafe thigh-operated lever turning. By providing stable support for the workpiece, it allows the operator to safely and comfortably operate the handle with one hand, removing the dangerous posture requirement while maintaining independent operation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If a retrofittable short-stroke module with hydraulic pump is installed, then the spindle can be rotated by foot pedal without hands, but the installation complexity increases and not all vise models are compatible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefoot-pedal operationVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex hydraulic module is extracted and replaced with a simple support bolt mechanism. Instead of installing a sophisticated hydraulic system with pumps and hoses, the invention extracts only the essential function of providing support for the workpiece, achieving the same operational benefit with minimal added complexity and universal compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4653140A1Device for placing work pieces and vice
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 BROCKHAUS HEUER GMBH
  • EP4653140A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP4653140A1 patent drawingFigure 2C~3B
  • EP4653140A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for supporting a workpiece between the jaws of a vise, wherein at least one support bolt (51) is provided which is arranged in a guide (525) of a support beam (52) to be connected to the vise, in which the support bolt (51) is arranged to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the vise when the support beam (52) is mounted. The invention further relates to a vise with a front jaw (1) and a rear jaw (2), comprising such a device.