Weight-Actuated Panel Holder With Self-Centering Jaws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stands for holding panels in vertical positions require tools for securing, need readjustment when relocated, are not scalable for different panel sizes, and require manual centering.
Innovation Solution
A weight-actuated panel holder with pivotally coupled jaw members and a clutch mechanism that automatically adjusts to hold panels upright without tools, accommodating various sizes and eliminating the need for manual centering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional stands use tools to secure panels, then holding strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The panel holder uses self-clamping jaw members that automatically grip the panel when inserted, eliminating the need for tools to secure the panel. The weight-actuated mechanism causes the jaws to close and clamp the panel securely without manual intervention or tool usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the manual tool-based securing mechanism with an automated weight-actuated mechanical system. The clutch mechanism and pivotally coupled jaw members create an automatic clamping action that substitutes for traditional tool-based fastening methods.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional stands are designed for specific panel sizes, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw members are designed with movable, pivotally coupled joints that allow the opening width to dynamically adjust based on panel size. This dynamic structure enables the same holder to accommodate various panel dimensions while maintaining secure gripping force, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-size holders.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel holder is designed as a universal device that can hold panels of different sizes through its adjustable jaw mechanism. The clutch mechanism and weight-actuated system provide consistent holding performance across multiple panel dimensions, making a single device serve multiple functions.
3Measurement precision
If conventional stands require manual centering, then positioning precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The panel holder automatically centers and positions panels through its weight-actuated jaw mechanism. When the panel is inserted, the weight of the panel itself triggers the jaws to close and center the panel between them, eliminating the need for manual centering operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch mechanism is pre-configured to automatically engage and center the panel as it is inserted into the holder. The pivotally coupled jaw members are designed to naturally converge on the panel's center point, providing automatic centering action before the panel is fully secured.
4Stability of the object's composition
If conventional stands require readjustment for relocation, then stability is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The panel holder features dynamically adjustable jaw members that can quickly adapt to different panel sizes and positions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the holder to be rapidly reconfigured for different panels during relocation, maintaining stability without time-consuming readjustment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight-actuated mechanism provides automatic adaptation when panels are relocated or changed. The system self-adjusts to the new panel's weight and dimensions, eliminating the need for manual readjustment and enabling quick relocation while maintaining stable holding.
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 quick, tool-free support and relocation of panels in a vertical position, scalable for different sizes, and maintains panels straight without manual adjustment, ensuring secure and damage-free holding.
Implementation Method 1
an opening width of at least a portion of the slot is configured to be reduced when a weight of the panel actuates the first and second jaw members towards a closed position
Implementation Method 2
a clutch mechanism coupled to at least one of the first and second jaw members, the clutch mechanism configured to bias at least one of the first and second jaw members in the closed position
Implementation Method 3
the tip cover configured to increase a frictional contact between the panel and the at least one of the first and second tip portions so as to retain the panel within the weight-actuated panel holder
Data Source
AI summary
A weight-actuated panel holder is disclosed herein. The weight-actuated panel holder includes a first jaw member; a second jaw member pivotally coupled to the first jaw member, the first and second jaw members cooperating to a form a slot for receiving an end portion of a panel, an opening width of at least a portion of the slot being configured to be reduced when a weight of the panel actuates the first and second jaw members towards a closed position; and a clutch mechanism coupled to at least one of the first and second jaw members, the clutch mechanism configured to bias at least one of the first and second jaw members in the closed position.