Work Piece Holder with Canted Wedge for Secure Clamping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for securely holding large work pieces during manufacturing operations, such as sanding, routing, and drilling, are inadequate due to the size and weight of the work pieces, leading to the use of non-conventional and undesirable holding methods.
Innovation Solution
A work piece holder comprising a bracket with a gap between two arms, one of which has a canted surface acting as a camming surface for a wedge, allowing the wedge to engage and compress the work piece, providing secure support through a combination of gravity and operator force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods are used to hold large work pieces, then the work piece can be secured in place, but the methods are inadequate due to the size and weight of the work pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The work piece holder is divided into two separate arms (first arm and second arm) that can independently position and support different portions of the work piece. This segmentation allows the device to adapt to various work piece sizes and shapes while maintaining secure holding through distributed contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional single-plane holding methods to a three-dimensional holding structure with arms extending in multiple directions. The first arm extends in a first direction and the second arm extends in a second direction, creating spatial distribution of holding forces that accommodates large work pieces of varying dimensions.
2Reliability
If non-conventional methods are used to secure large work pieces, then the work pieces can be held in place, but the methods are undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The work piece holder is designed to be self-supporting through its bracket structure that can be positioned on a surface. The arms and wedge mechanism work together to automatically secure the work piece without requiring external propping, sand bags, or manual holding, making the device self-sufficient and easy to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the work piece. By inserting and manipulating the wedge, the operator indirectly secures the work piece between the first arm and second arm, providing a convenient and controlled method for holding large work pieces without direct manual support.
3Reliability
If multiple vices are used to secure the work piece to a work bench, then the work piece can be held securely, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the functions of multiple vices into a single integrated work piece holder structure. The bracket with its first arm and second arm, along with the wedge mechanism, consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate clamping devices into one unified apparatus, reducing overall complexity while maintaining secure holding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The work piece holder is designed as a multi-functional device where the bracket provides structural support, the first arm and second arm provide positioning and support in different directions, and the wedge provides adjustable securing. This universal design replaces multiple specialized tools with one versatile apparatus that can handle various work piece configurations.
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
The work piece holder effectively secures large work pieces, allowing for stable operation and easy repositioning, as the wedge compresses the work piece between the bracket and itself, maintaining stability during tasks and facilitating adjustments in height.
Implementation Method 1
The wedge and the canted surface are configured such that the first side remains substantially parallel to the first arm as the second side slides along the canted surface. The first side of the wedge and a first surface of the first arm are configured to cooperate to support the work piece when the work piece is positioned in the gap while the second side of the wedge is engaged with the canted surface
Implementation Method 2
The work piece holder effectively secures large work pieces, allowing for stable operation and easy repositioning, as the wedge compresses the work piece between the bracket and itself, maintaining stability during tasks and facilitating adjustments in height
Data Source
AI summary
A work piece holder including, but not limited to, a bracket having a first arm, a second arm, and a gap between the first arm and the second arm. A first portion of the second arm is non-parallel with a first portion of the first arm such that a lower portion of the gap is narrower than an upper portion. The work piece holder further includes a wedge having a first side and a second side. The second side is configured to engage the first portion of the second arm. The wedge is configured to move along the first portion of the second arm. The wedge and the first arm support the work piece when the work piece is positioned in the gap and the wedge has moved along the first portion of the second arm to a position where it engages the work piece.