Determine the magnitude of the vertical clamping force at E

[Ella Tankersley]

Problem: Determine the magnitude of the vertical clamping force at E in terms of the force P applied to the handle of the toggle clamp.
Picture:

I separated the machine into different parts and tried using ΣFx=0, ΣFy=0, and ΣM=0, but I can't seem to get the equations to link up to each other. Any help?

 

[Baluncore]

Welcome to PF.
I can't see the picture, server not found. Posted address is wrong. Drag and drop your image onto PF browser.
Is this a homework problem?

 

[Ella Tankersley]

Welcome to PF.
I can't see the picture, server not found. Posted address is wrong. Drag and drop your image onto PF browser.
Is this a homework problem?

Are you able to see the picture now? And yes this is a homework problem!

 

[Baluncore]

Yes.

 

[anorlunda]

I separated the machine into different parts and tried using ΣFx=0, ΣFy=0, and ΣM=0, but I can't seem to get the equations to link up to each other. Any help?

Show us your work. We need to see your attempt before the homework helpers help.

 

[Baluncore]

First understand the mechanism. It is called an “over-centre” clamp.
Find and experiment with some locking pliers; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locking_pliers
Follow the over-center link to; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tipping_point_(physics)

Notice that as the point C passes through the straight line between B and D, the force multiplication will change sign and momentarily approach infinity.

You might solve the problem as an approximation.
The first step could be Force Cy = Force Py * 130mm / 18mm
The final step could be; Force Ey = Force Dx * 10mm / 70mm
The angle of the link vector B-C will translate the vertical component Cy into horizontal component Dx.