Self-adaptive universal clamp and using method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a self-adaptive universal clamp and a using method thereof. The self-adaptive universal clamp comprises a base, a clamping device and a clamping device, an embedding structure matched with the sliding rail is arranged at the bottom of the sliding block, so that the sliding block can slide along the sliding rail to adapt to workpieces with different sizes; and the self-adaptive clamping and locking assembly is arranged in the sliding rail and the embedded structure and used for automatically generating locking force to lock the sliding block when the sliding block slides to the target position and adjusting the locking state in a self-adaptive mode when the size of the workpiece changes. The invention aims to realize self-adaptive fixation of multi-size test objects without frequent clamp replacement or complex adjustment and positioning, improve the test and production efficiency, reduce the cost, avoid positioning errors caused by manual adjustment, and improve the test efficiency and the production efficiency. The problems caused by single-size adaptation limitation of a traditional clamp and the problem that an existing universal clamp depends on bolt fastening and is complex in operation are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of mechanical engineering and structural manufacturing technology, specifically relating to an adaptive universal fixture and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] In the testing and production of electronic components and mechanical parts, clamping fixtures are crucial tools for securing modules and ensuring test accuracy. Traditional fixtures are typically designed for single-size modules. When the size of the test object changes, frequent fixture replacements or repositioning are required, leading to inefficiency and increased costs. Furthermore, manual fixture adjustments can easily introduce positioning errors, affecting the consistency and reliability of test data. Existing general-purpose fixtures can solve this problem through multi-size adaptation, but these often rely on bolt fastening, making operation complex.

[0003] In the testing and production of electronic components and mechanical parts, clamping fixtures, as key tools for fixing modules, play a decisive role in ensuring the accuracy of testing. Only by firmly fixing the module can we ensure that errors will not occur during the testing process due to the module's shaking or displacement, thereby obtaining accurate and reliable test data.

[0004] Traditional fixture designs have significant limitations. These fixtures are typically designed specifically for modules of a single size, with their structure and usage optimized to accommodate that particular size. However, in actual testing and production scenarios, the dimensions of test objects are often not fixed but vary across different specifications. When faced with test objects of different sizes, operators need to frequently change fixtures or readjust existing fixtures to accommodate the new test objects. This process not only consumes a significant amount of time and reduces overall work efficiency, but also increases production costs due to frequent fixture changes and adjustments, including the cost of purchasing the fixtures and the labor costs resulting from extended operation time. More importantly, during manual fixture adjustments, positioning errors can easily be introduced due to the operator's skill level and operating habits. These errors directly affect the consistency and reliability of test data. For example, in the testing of electronic components, even a small positioning error can lead to deviations in the test signal, resulting in test results that do not accurately reflect the true performance of the component; in the testing of mechanical parts, positioning errors may affect the assembly accuracy and operational stability of the component, posing potential risks to subsequent production and use.

[0005] To address the limitations of traditional fixtures in adapting to multiple sizes, some universal fixtures have emerged on the market. These universal fixtures can accommodate test objects of various sizes to some extent, reducing the hassle of frequent fixture changes. However, most existing universal fixtures rely on bolt tightening for fixation and adaptation. In practice, operators need to use tools to tighten or loosen multiple bolts one by one, a complex and cumbersome process. This not only requires operators to have certain skills and experience but also further reduces work efficiency, especially when the size of the test object needs to be frequently changed, making this complex operation even more inconvenient. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this invention provides an adaptive universal fixture and its usage method. Its purpose is to achieve adaptive fixation of multi-size test objects without the need for frequent fixture replacement or complex positioning adjustments, thereby improving testing and production efficiency, reducing costs, and avoiding positioning errors introduced by manual adjustments. It also solves the problems caused by the limitation of traditional fixtures in adapting to a single size and the problem of the complex bolt fastening operation of existing universal fixtures.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution: According to a first aspect of the present invention, an adaptive universal fixture is provided, comprising: A base, wherein a slide rail is provided on the upper part of the base; The slider has a fitting structure at its bottom that mates with the slide rail, allowing the slider to slide along the slide rail to accommodate workpieces of different sizes. An adaptive locking assembly is disposed within the slide rail and the fitting structure, and is used to automatically generate a locking force to lock the slide when the slider slides to the target position, and to adaptively adjust the locking state when the workpiece size changes.

[0008] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the slide rail is a guide rail groove disposed on the base, and the fitting structure is a ⊥-shaped structure formed at the bottom of the slider, the ⊥-shaped structure being slidably fitted into the guide rail groove.

[0009] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the adaptive locking assembly includes a compression latch spring that is embedded inside the guide rail groove and forms a locking engagement with the ⊥-shaped structure.

[0010] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the main body of the slider is an L-shaped semi-enclosed structure.

[0011] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the base has sidewalls extending on both sides of the slide rail, and the sidewalls and the slider together constitute a three-dimensional limiting and fixing of the workpiece.

[0012] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, a semi-circular recess is provided at the included angle of the sidewall and / or at the L-shaped corner of the slider.

[0013] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the base and the slider are made of aluminum alloy using an integrated molding process.

[0014] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the base is further provided with an expansion interface for stacking a second slide rail or installing a functional module.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a workpiece clamping method based on an adaptive universal fixture is provided, wherein the adaptive universal fixture is used, and the method includes the following steps: The adaptive universal fixture is provided, the fixture comprising a base, a slider and an adaptive locking assembly; Place the workpiece to be fixed on the base; Slide the slider along the slide rail on the base until it contacts the workpiece; Continue to apply the thrust so that the slider overcomes the initial force of the adaptive locking assembly and slides until the workpiece is stably clamped; The adaptive locking component automatically activates, generating a locking force to lock the slider in its current position, thus securing the workpiece.

[0016] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the adaptive locking assembly is a compression latch spring, and overcoming the initial force of the adaptive locking assembly is compressing the spring; The method also includes applying a force opposite to the locking direction to the slider to release the locking state of the adaptive locking assembly, so that the slider can be slid back to remove the workpiece.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: This invention provides an adaptive universal fixture that, through the cooperative design of a slider and slide rail combined with an adaptive locking assembly, achieves rapid and precise fixation of workpieces of various sizes. Compared with traditional fixtures, this fixture eliminates the need for frequent changes or manual adjustments, improving testing and production efficiency while reducing positioning errors introduced by human operation and ensuring consistent and reliable test data. Furthermore, the adaptive locking assembly automatically locks when the slider reaches the target position and adaptively adjusts the locking state as the workpiece size changes, avoiding the complex operations of bolt tightening methods, simplifying the usage process, and reducing operation time and labor costs. This fixture has a reasonable structure and wide applicability, suitable for scenarios requiring frequent size changes in the testing of electronic components and mechanical parts. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an adaptive universal fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an adaptive universal clamp according to an embodiment of the present invention (with the compression jaw spring exposed). Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the base in an adaptive universal fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a slider and fitting structure in an adaptive universal fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] 1-Base; 2-Slide rail; 3-Compression bayonet spring; 4-Side wall; 5-Slider; 6-Matching structure; 7-L-shaped semi-enclosed structure; 8-Semi-circular recess. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] This invention provides a universal fixture capable of adaptively fixing workpieces of various sizes. The fixture is mainly composed of two core components: a base 1 and a slider 5. To ensure that the fixture has sufficient structural strength and lightweight characteristics during long-term use, the base 1 and the slider 5 are preferably made of aluminum alloy and manufactured by an integrated molding process, which effectively avoids the decrease in accuracy caused by accumulated assembly errors and improves the durability of the product.

[0023] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the base 1 serves as the mounting foundation and support platform for the entire fixture. A slide rail 2 is machined along the diagonal direction on its upper surface; the slide rail 2 is a guide rail groove. The cross-section of the guide rail groove is specifically designed, with an upper width of 4mm, a lower width of 10mm, a total length of 120mm, and a total depth of 5mm. These dimensions, combined with the fitting structure at the bottom of the slider 5, form a sliding fit, ensuring that the slider 5 can slide smoothly and without obstruction, while also preventing it from shifting or tilting during sliding, maintaining a uniquely controllable direction of movement. Inside the guide rail groove, a compression spring 3, a key component for realizing the adaptive locking function of this invention, is embedded. The compression spring 3 is pre-loaded with 5mm during initial installation, providing the initial locking force basis for the slider 5.

[0024] The working principle of the compression spring 3 is the core of this invention's adaptive locking mechanism. Its specific operation is as follows: When the slider 5 slides freely on the guide rail without external force, the preload of the compression spring 3 maintains a basic positive pressure on the slider's U-shaped fitting structure 6, generating slight frictional damping, facilitating the initial positioning of the slider 5. When the operator pushes the slider 5 to press against the workpiece, the slider needs to overcome this initial force and continue moving, causing the compression spring 3 to be further compressed. The compression process of the spring is the process of storing elastic potential energy. Once the pushing force applied to the slider is removed, the potential energy stored in the compression spring 3 is released and converted into a rebound force. This rebound force, through the interaction between the compression spring 3 and the slider fitting structure, is directly converted into a locking force that tightly presses the slider 5 against the workpiece and the side of the guide rail. This locking force is automatically generated and adaptive: for smaller workpieces, the slider travels a short distance, the spring compression is small, and the locking force is moderate; for larger workpieces, the slider travels a long distance, the spring compression is large, and due to its linear stiffness characteristics, the locking force also increases to the design value (e.g., 50N), thereby ensuring that sufficient and stable clamping force can be provided for workpieces of different sizes, achieving reliable mechanical locking and effectively preventing workpiece displacement during testing.

[0025] In addition, side walls 4 extend integrally from both sides of the base 1 on the slide rail 2. These two side walls 4, together with the slide rail 2, form a reference surface for the initial positioning of the workpiece.

[0026] The bottom of slider 5 is designed with a U-shaped fitting structure 6 that mates with the aforementioned guide rail groove. The fit clearance between the fitting structure 6 and the guide rail groove is controlled between 0.1 and 0.3 mm, which is sufficient to ensure smooth movement of the slider under force while effectively suppressing swaying in the undesired direction, ensuring accurate positioning. The main body of slider 5 is designed as an L-shaped semi-enclosed structure 7. This structure provides ample operating space for the insertion and removal of workpieces and forms effective constraints from one side and above the workpiece during clamping. To improve ergonomics, a protruding square structure is designed on the outer side of the L-shaped corner of slider 5, facilitating push-pull operation by the operator. Considering the potential damage to the edges and corners of precision workpieces during clamping, semi-circular recesses 8 are machined at the included angles of the two side walls 4 of the base 1 and on the inner side of the L-shaped corner of slider 5. This design ensures that the workpiece only contacts the planar part of the fixture, effectively avoiding stress concentration and compression of the workpiece edges and corners.

[0027] The working process of this fixture is as follows: When the workpiece to be fixed is placed on the base 1 and pressed against the side walls 4, the operator can push the slider 5 along the slide rail 2. During the sliding process, the U-shaped fitting structure 6 at the bottom of the slider 5 interacts with the compression spring 3 in the guide rail groove. When the slider 5 contacts the workpiece and is pushed further, it overcomes the initial force of the compression spring 3 and continues to slide, and the compression spring 3 is further compressed. During this process, the reaction force generated by the compression spring 3 continues to act on the slider, making it stably press the workpiece against the side wall 4 of the base 1. When the pushing force is removed, the preload of the compression spring 3 and the friction between the structures together constitute an adaptive locking force, automatically locking the slider 5 in the current position. Thus, the L-shaped structure of the base side wall 4 and the slider 5 jointly achieve three-way limiting and firm fixing of the workpiece. By simply sliding the slider 5 to different positions, this fixture can be adapted to a series of workpieces of different sizes within the length range of the slide rail, achieving the goal of multi-purpose versatility.

[0028] To objectively verify the technical effects of this invention, a series of tests were conducted. In the functional tests, simulated workpieces of two typical sizes, 10mm and 50mm, were selected for clamping. When testing the 10mm workpiece, the slider 5 slid to a position near the end of the slide rail. At this point, the compression of the clamping spring 3 increased to its maximum, and the resulting locking force was measured to be approximately 50N. When testing the 50mm workpiece, the slider 5 was located in the middle of the slide rail. The compression of the clamping spring 3 decreased relatively, but due to its linear stiffness characteristics, the resulting locking force remained stably maintained at approximately 50N. This ensured that workpieces of different sizes could obtain a consistent and reliable clamping force, effectively preventing workpiece displacement due to vibration during testing or processing.

[0029] Long-term fatigue testing was conducted on the fixture. The results showed that the compression bayonet spring assembly 3 did not break or undergo plastic deformation, and its operation was smooth and without jamming. Its locking force decreased by less than 5% after multiple cycles, demonstrating durability. Furthermore, repeatability accuracy tests on workpieces of different sizes showed that the errors were all within the industry standard's allowable range, fully meeting the needs of high-precision testing and production.

[0030] In summary, the adaptive universal fixture described in this specific embodiment solves the problems of traditional fixtures being dedicated to multiple sizes of workpieces, requiring frequent replacement, complex operation, and high cost through the synergistic effect of the slide rail-slider interlocking structure and the compression bayonet spring adaptive locking mechanism.

[0031] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0032] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0033] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0035] In this invention, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0036] Finally, it should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely specific implementations of the present invention, used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that any person skilled in the art can still modify or easily conceive of changes to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features; and these modifications, changes, or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and should all be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An adaptive universal fixture, characterized by, The utility model relates to a self-adapting universal fixture, comprising: a base (1) provided with a slide rail (2) on the upper part; a sliding block (5) provided with an embedded structure (6) on the bottom part, which is matched with the slide rail (2) so that the sliding block (5) can slide along the slide rail (2) to adapt to workpieces of different sizes; a self-adapting locking assembly arranged in the slide rail (2) and the embedded structure (6), which is used to automatically generate a locking force to lock the sliding block (5) when the sliding block (5) slides to a target position, and to adaptively adjust the locking state when the size of the workpiece changes.

2. The self-adapting universal fixture of claim 1, wherein, The slide rail (2) is a guide rail sliding groove arranged on the base (1), and the embedded structure (6) is a ⊥-shaped structure formed on the bottom part of the sliding block (5), which is slidably embedded in the guide rail sliding groove.

3. An adaptive general purpose fixture according to claim 2, wherein, The self-adapting locking assembly comprises a compression bayonet spring (3) embedded in the guide rail sliding groove and matched with the ⊥-shaped structure to form a locking.

4. The self-adapting universal fixture of claim 1, wherein, The main body of the sliding block (5) is an L-shaped semi-enclosed structure.

5. An adaptive general purpose fixture according to claim 4, wherein, The base (1) is provided with side walls (4) extending on both sides of the slide rail (2), and the side walls (4) and the sliding block (5) jointly constitute three-way limiting and fixing of the workpiece.

6. An adaptive general purpose fixture according to claim 5, wherein, A semicircular recess (8) is arranged at the included angle of the side wall (4) and / or the L-shaped corner of the sliding block (5).

7. The self-adapting universal fixture of claim 1, wherein, The base (1) and the sliding block (5) are made of aluminum alloy material through an integrated molding process.

8. The self-adapting universal fixture of claim 1, wherein, The base (1) is also provided with an expansion interface for stacking a second slide rail or installing a functional module.

9. A workpiece clamping method based on an adaptive general jig, characterized by, The method comprises the following steps: providing the self-adapting universal fixture, which comprises a base (1), a sliding block (5), and a self-adapting locking assembly; placing a workpiece to be fixed on the base (1); sliding the sliding block (5) along the slide rail (2) on the base (1) to make it contact the workpiece; continuing to apply a pushing force to make the sliding block (5) overcome the initial force of the self-adapting locking assembly and slide until the workpiece is stably compressed; the self-adapting locking assembly automatically generates a locking force to lock the sliding block (5) in the current position, completing the fixation of the workpiece.

10. The workpiece clamping method based on the adaptive general jig according to claim 9, wherein The self-adapting locking assembly is a compression bayonet spring (3), and overcoming the initial force of the self-adapting locking assembly means compressing the spring; the method further comprises applying a force opposite to the locking direction to the sliding block (5) to release the locking state of the self-adapting locking assembly, so that the sliding block (5) can slide back to take out the workpiece.

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