Flexible clamp for intelligent adjustment for repairing automobile engine hood and using method of flexible clamp

Abstract

The invention relates to an intelligent adjusting flexible clamp for repairing an automobile engine hood and a using method of the flexible clamp. The flexible clamp comprises a clamping device, a rubber supporting piece, a control box and a support. The clamping devices are used for clamping the automobile engine hood, the position of each clamping device can be adjusted in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction so as to adapt to the edge contours of the automobile engine hoods of different shapes, and it is guaranteed that clamping force is evenly distributed. The supporting part of the rubber supporting piece is made of rubber materials, the rubber supporting piece is used for providing flexible supporting for the automobile engine hood and preventing the surface of the engine hood from being damaged in the fixing process, and the rubber supporting piece adjusts the supporting state in a self-adaptive mode according to the curved surface shape of the engine hood. The control box is electrically connected with the clamping device and controls operation of the clamping device. The support is used for supporting the whole clamp structure. According to the automobile engine hood repairing device, intelligent adjustment and flexible clamping can be achieved, the repairing precision and efficiency are improved, and the efficiency and quality of automobile engine hood repairing work are greatly improved while an automobile engine hood is protected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive repair equipment technology, specifically a flexible clamp for intelligent adjustment of automotive hood repair and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of automotive repair, hood repair is a common and important task. With the continuous development of the automotive industry, the number of car models is increasing, and the shape, size, and material of hoods are also becoming more diverse.

[0003] Traditional automotive hood repair jigs typically employ a simple, fixed structural design. These jigs often lack sufficient adaptability when dealing with hoods from different car models. For example, the shape and size of their clamping parts are fixed and cannot be flexibly adjusted to changes in the hood's edge contour. This makes it difficult to achieve a uniform and stable clamping force distribution when clamping hoods with special shapes or significant size variations. This can not only cause the hood to shift during the repair process, affecting repair accuracy, but may also cause scratches, dents, and other damage to the hood surface due to excessive localized force, reducing the car's appearance quality and overall value.

[0004] Meanwhile, traditional clamps largely rely on human experience to judge and control the clamping position during operation, lacking precise measurement and feedback mechanisms. Operators find it difficult to accurately determine whether the optimal clamping state has been achieved, making the quality and efficiency of repair work heavily dependent on human factors. Furthermore, when repairing different models of hoods, significant time is often spent adjusting and adapting the clamps, increasing repair and time costs and failing to meet the modern automotive repair industry's demands for efficient and precise repairs.

[0005] Furthermore, in some complex repair processes, such as high-precision shaping or welding of the hood, extremely high requirements are placed on the hood's stability and positional accuracy. The limitations of traditional fixtures become even more apparent in these situations, making it difficult to guarantee that the repair work will achieve the desired results, seriously affecting the overall level of automotive repair and customer satisfaction.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an automotive hood repair fixture that can overcome the above problems, achieve intelligent adjustment, flexible clamping, and high-precision control capabilities, so as to improve the quality and efficiency of automotive hood repair work and promote the development of automotive repair technology. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to address the aforementioned shortcomings by providing a flexible clamp with intelligent adjustment for repairing car hoods. This clamp can intelligently adjust and flexibly hold the hood, improving repair accuracy and efficiency, protecting the car hood while greatly enhancing the efficiency and quality of car hood repair work.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, a flexible clamp for intelligent adjustment in automotive hood repair is designed, comprising a clamping device, a rubber support, a control box, and a bracket. The clamping device, consisting of at least two units distributed on the upper surface of the bracket, is used to clamp the automotive hood. Each clamping device is adjustable in both horizontal and vertical directions to adapt to the different shapes of the automotive hood's edge contours, thereby ensuring a uniform clamping force distribution. The rubber support is mounted on the support positioning holes of the bracket. The support portion of the rubber support is made of rubber and provides flexible support for the automotive hood, preventing damage to the hood surface during fixing. The rubber support adaptively adjusts its support state according to the curved shape of the hood. The control box is located in the upper part of the bracket and is electrically connected to the clamping device. The control box controls the automatic operation of the clamping device, including but not limited to controlling the clamping, releasing, and position adjustment actions. The bracket supports the entire clamp structure and provides a mounting base for the clamping device, rubber support, and control box.

[0009] Furthermore, each clamping device includes a motor, a clamping arm, a support column, a horizontal guide rail, a connecting base plate, and a guide post. The motor provides clamping power, and its output end is connected to the clamping arm. The clamping arm is equipped with a scale, which is used to measure the height of the clamping position. A guide post is located below the clamping arm, and a guide rail extending vertically is provided on the guide post. The clamping arm is movably connected to the guide rail on the guide post. The guide post is fixed to the support column, and the support column is movably connected to the horizontal guide rail. The horizontal guide rail is connected to the connecting base plate. Both the horizontal guide rail and the guide rail on the guide post are linear guide rails.

[0010] Furthermore, the shape and size of the rubber support are matched with the bottom shape of the car hood to evenly distribute the weight of the car hood; the control box has a programmable function, stores the models and sizes of various car hoods, and sets and adjusts the clamping force and clamping position of the clamping device according to different models and sizes of car hoods to achieve intelligent adjustment of various car hoods, and accurately determines the clamping position of the hood according to the motor sensor and the scale on the clamping arm after clamping and fixing.

[0011] Furthermore, the motor adjusts the clamping stroke according to the different thicknesses and curvatures of the car hoods. The motor has a built-in sensor with real-time monitoring capabilities. During the clamping process, the sensor accurately captures relevant changes in the clamping action and transmits the data to the control box. The clamping surface of the clamping arm is provided with anti-slip texture to increase friction with the car hood. The scale on the clamping arm is graduated, with the smallest division being millimeters. The clamping arm is made of high-strength aluminum alloy. The supporting column is welded from a steel structure and undergoes rust prevention treatment. The horizontal guide rail and the linear guide rail on the guide column are made of high-quality alloy steel and have an internal ball or slider structure to reduce moving friction resistance. The connecting base plate is made of stainless steel and has multiple mounting holes for secure connection to the worktable or other fixed devices.

[0012] Furthermore, the control box integrates a sensor signal processing module, a motor drive module, and a data storage module. The sensor signal processing module is electrically connected to the sensor built into the motor, and the motor drive module is connected to the motor. The control box inputs and stores the model and size parameters of various car hoods into the data storage module through a human-machine interface. In actual repair operations, the operator selects the corresponding hood model on the control box's display screen, and the control box automatically retrieves the pre-stored parameter information and quickly calculates and sets the optimal clamping force and position of the clamping device. At the same time, after clamping and fixing, the control box integrates the data from the motor sensor and the scale on the clamping arm to obtain the clamping position information of the hood, and displays it on the display screen in real time.

[0013] Furthermore, the clamping device is provided with five clamping devices. Two clamping devices are symmetrically arranged on each side of the bracket, and one clamping device is provided on the bracket at the rear end of the hood to ensure clamping stability. The upper end face of the bracket is provided with a display screen in front of the hood. The display screen is used to select the car hood model, display the clamping position and clamping force. A clamping button, a correction button and a release button are provided on one side of the display screen. The clamping button is used for clamping operation, the correction button is used for correction operation, and the release button is used for release operation.

[0014] Furthermore, the symmetrically distributed clamping devices achieve a displacement adjustment of 1-85 mm in the vertical direction of the clamping arms via a motor-driven screw transmission mechanism. The suction cup-shaped clamping heads are coated with rubber, causing them to slightly deform according to the contours of the car hood surface upon contact, ensuring a tight fit and effective protection of the hood surface. The clamping devices also achieve a horizontal displacement adjustment of 1-180 mm via horizontal guide rails to closely fit the side edges of car hoods of different widths. In the vertical direction, the clamping devices achieve a height adjustment of 1-160 mm via guide rails on the guide posts to accommodate clamping requirements at different heights of the hood. The clamping device at the rear of the hood stabilizes the rear of the hood, preventing it from lifting or shifting during repair.

[0015] Furthermore, the bracket adopts a welded frame structure. The main frame of the bracket is welded from rectangular steel pipes and annealed to eliminate welding stress. The display screen mounted on the upper surface of the bracket displays the car hood model selection menu, the position information of the clamping position, and the numerical curve of the clamping force. The clamping button, correction button, and release button on the upper surface of the bracket correspond to the clamping, correction, and release operations, respectively. The clamping button, correction button, and release button are all designed to be waterproof, dustproof, and wear-resistant, and have clear markings and tactile feedback on their surfaces.

[0016] This invention also provides a method for installing a flexible clamp for intelligent adjustment in the repair of automotive hoods, comprising the following steps: Step 1: Fix the bracket to the ground or workbench with anchor bolts. Adjust the anchor bolts to make the bracket level according to the actual working environment. Step 2: Secure the connecting base plate to the workbench of the bracket using high-strength bolts through its pre-drilled mounting holes, ensuring that the connecting base plate is level and stable. Step 3: Vertically weld or fasten the support columns to the connecting base plate with high-strength bolts to ensure the parallelism and perpendicularity between the support columns; Step 4: Install the horizontal guide rails onto the support columns one by one, ensuring that the horizontal guide rails are securely installed; Step 5: Assemble the motor, clamping arm, and guide column onto the horizontal guide rail and support column according to the design position to complete the main structure installation of the clamping device. Check whether the moving parts of the motor and clamping arm move smoothly without any jamming. Step 6: Attach anti-slip rubber pads to the clamping surface of the clamping arm and the head surface of the clamping arm lifting rod to ensure that the anti-slip pads are in close contact with the clamping surface. Step 7: Insert the rubber support into the positioning hole of the bracket, ensuring that the rubber support fits tightly with the positioning hole; gently tap the rubber support with a rubber hammer to install the rubber support in place and make its surface flush with the upper surface of the bracket. Step 8: Install the display screen, clamping button, correction button, and release button into the pre-drilled mounting holes on the upper surface of the bracket, ensuring the display screen is secure and does not wobble. Step 9: Place the control box in a location that is easy to operate and observe, and connect the control box to the motor and clamping arm in the clamping device via cables; Step 10: Connect the power supply to the control box, start the control box, and check whether the sensor signals in the clamping device are transmitted normally, whether the motor drive module can drive the motor normally, and whether the display screen can display normally. Step 11: Initialize the human-machine interface of the control box, including calibrating the display parameters of the display screen, checking whether the clamping button, correction button, and release button are functioning properly, and pressing each button to observe whether the control box can receive the correct operation instructions.

[0017] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a method for using a flexible clamp for intelligent adjustment in the repair of automotive hoods, comprising the following steps: Step 100: The operator enters the car hood model input interface through the human-machine interface of the control box. On this interface, the operator can input the model, specifications and other information of the hood to be repaired via touch screen or external keyboard. If the database already stores the information of the hood model, it can be selected directly from the drop-down menu. For new hood models, the operator inputs the hood's size parameters, including length, width, height and edge curvature. The control box stores this information in its built-in data storage module for later retrieval. Step 200: Slowly place the car hood to be repaired onto the rubber support, ensuring that the center of gravity of the hood is in the center of the support range of the rubber support; the operator checks whether the hood is placed stably and how well it fits the rubber support, ensuring that the bottom of the hood is in full contact with the rubber support. Step 300, clamping operation: Press the clamping button on the worktable, and the control box sends a clamping command to the motor; the motor starts running, driving the clamping arm closer to the edge of the hood; the sensors on the clamping arm monitor the clamping force and clamping position in real time and feed the data back to the control box; the control box precisely controls the motor's operating speed and torque according to the preset optimal clamping force and clamping position range, so that the clamping force gradually increases until the predetermined initial clamping force is reached; the initial clamping force is usually set to 30%-50% of the maximum allowable clamping force of this model of hood, ensuring that the hood is initially fixed but will not deform due to excessive clamping force; Step 400, Correction Operation: When the hood needs to be corrected, the operator presses the correction button. The control box, based on the preset correction program and the current status information of the hood, drives the motor and corresponding actuators to apply a correction force to the hood. During the correction process, sensors monitor the correction force and the deformation of the hood in real time and feed the data back to the control box. Based on the feedback data and referring to the pre-stored original data of the hood, the control box continuously adjusts the magnitude and direction of the correction force to ensure a smooth and safe correction process and avoid secondary damage to the hood. Step 500: After correction, the operator performs precise repairs on the hood. The hood is in a stable and ideal repair state. The operator uses repair tools to repair the hood, such as reshaping the edges of the hood and stretching, grinding, and welding the dented and damaged areas. Step 600: After completing the repair, the operator presses the release button, and the control box sends a release command to the motor. The motor reverses, causing the clamping arm to gradually release the hood. During the release process, the operator observes whether the hood can freely detach from the clamp. If there is any jamming, the operator manually assists the hood to detach.

[0018] Compared with existing technologies, this invention provides a flexible clamp with intelligent adjustment for repairing car hoods. The clamping device adjusts its position in both horizontal and vertical directions to adapt to the edge contours of car hoods of different shapes, ensuring a uniform clamping force distribution. Simultaneously, a rubber support adapts to the bottom of the hood, distributing weight and adapting to the curved surface. The control box can set clamping parameters and display the position according to the hood model. In use, after installing and debugging the components and inputting information, the clamp automatically adjusts and places the hood, clamping and correcting it before releasing it after repair. This clamp's intelligent adjustment and flexible clamping improve repair accuracy and efficiency, protecting the car hood while significantly enhancing the efficiency and quality of hood repair work. It solves the problem that traditional clamps cannot simultaneously ensure both the stability of fixation and the flexible adaptation to complex shapes of car hoods that are difficult to repair due to the special nature of the material after severe impact or damage. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a front structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a front structural diagram of the clamping device of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a side view of the clamping device of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bracket of the present invention; In the diagram: 1. Clamping device; 2. Rubber support; 3. Control box; 4. Bracket; 5. Motor; 6. Clamping arm; 7. Support column; 8. Horizontal guide rail; 9. Connecting base plate; 10. Guide column; 11. Display screen; 12. Clamping button; 13. Correction button; 14. Release button; 15. Car hood. Detailed Implementation

[0020] As attached Figure 1 To be continued Figure 5 As shown, this invention provides a flexible clamp for intelligent adjustment of car hood repair, including a clamping device 1, a rubber support 2, a control box 3, and a bracket 4. The clamping device 1 is used to clamp the car hood 15. At least two clamping devices 1 are provided and distributed on the upper surface of the bracket 4. Each clamping device 1 can be adjusted in both horizontal and vertical directions to adapt to the edge contours of different shaped car hoods, thereby ensuring a uniform clamping force distribution on the hood. The rubber support 2 is installed on the support positioning hole of the bracket 4, and the support portion of the rubber support 2... The bracket 4 is made of rubber. The rubber support 2 provides flexible support for the car hood and avoids damage to the hood surface during the fixing process. The rubber support 2 adaptively adjusts the support state according to the curved shape of the hood. The control box 3 is located in the upper part of the bracket 4. The control box 3 is electrically connected to the clamping device 1. The control box 3 is used to control the automatic operation of the clamping device 1, including but not limited to controlling the clamping, releasing and position adjustment actions of the clamping device 1. The bracket 4 is used to support the entire clamping structure and provide the mounting base for the clamping device 1, the rubber support 2 and the control box 3.

[0021] Each clamping device 1 includes a motor 5, a clamping arm 6, a support column 7, a horizontal guide rail 8, a connecting base plate 9, and a guide post 10. The motor 5 provides clamping power, and the output end of the motor 5 is connected to the clamping arm 6. A scale is provided on the clamping arm 6, and the height of the clamping position is measured by the scale. A guide post 10 is provided below the clamping arm 6, and a guide rail extending in the vertical direction is provided on the guide post 10. The clamping arm 6 can be moved up and down and connected to the guide rail of the guide post 10. The guide post 10 is fixed to the support column 7, and the support column 7 can be moved left and right and connected to the horizontal guide rail 8. The horizontal guide rail 8 is connected to the connecting base plate 9. The horizontal guide rail 8 and the guide rail on the guide post 10 are both linear guide rails.

[0022] The shape and size of the rubber support 2 match the bottom shape of the car hood to evenly distribute the weight of the car hood; the control box 3 has a programmable function, stores the models and sizes of various car hoods, and sets and adjusts the clamping force and clamping position of the clamping device 1 according to different models and sizes of car hoods to achieve intelligent adjustment of various car hoods, and accurately determines the clamping position of the hood according to the motor 5 sensor and the scale on the clamping arm 6 after clamping and fixing.

[0023] Motor 5 adjusts the clamping stroke according to the different thicknesses and curved surfaces of car hoods. Motor 5 has a built-in sensor with real-time monitoring capabilities. During the clamping process, the sensor accurately captures relevant changes in the clamping action and transmits the data to the control box 3. The clamping surface of the clamping arm 6 is provided with anti-slip texture to increase friction with the car hood. The scale on the clamping arm 6 is marked with graduations, and the smallest graduation is in millimeters. The clamping arm 6 is made of high-strength aluminum alloy. The support column 7 is welded from steel and treated with rust prevention. The horizontal guide rail 8 and the linear guide rail on the guide column 10 are made of high-quality alloy steel and have internal ball or slider structures to reduce moving friction resistance. The connecting base plate 9 is made of stainless steel and has multiple mounting holes for secure connection to the worktable or other fixed devices.

[0024] The control box 3 integrates a sensor signal processing module, a motor drive module, and a data storage module. The sensor signal processing module is electrically connected to the sensor built into the motor 5, and the motor drive module is connected to the motor 5. The control box 3 inputs and stores the model and size parameters of various car hoods into the data storage module through the human-machine interface. In actual repair operations, the operator selects the corresponding hood model on the display screen of the control box 3, and the control box 3 can automatically retrieve the pre-stored parameter information and quickly calculate and set the optimal clamping force and position of the clamping device 1. At the same time, after clamping and fixing, the control box 3 integrates the data from the sensor of the motor 5 and the scale data on the clamping arm 6 to obtain the clamping position information of the hood, and displays it on the display screen in real time.

[0025] Five clamping devices 1 can be provided. Two clamping devices 1 are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the bracket 4. One clamping device 1 is provided on the bracket 4 at the rear end of the hood to ensure clamping stability. A display screen 11 is provided on the upper surface of the bracket 4 at the front of the hood. The display screen 11 is used to select the car hood model, display the clamping position and clamping force. A clamping button 12, a correction button 13 and a release button 14 are provided on one side of the display screen 11. The clamping button 12 is used for clamping operation, the correction button 13 is used for correction operation, and the release button 14 is used for release operation. The clamping devices 1, symmetrically distributed on both sides, achieve a displacement adjustment of 1-85 mm in the vertical direction of the clamping arms 6 via a motor-driven screw transmission mechanism. The suction cup-shaped clamping heads are coated with rubber, causing them to slightly deform according to the contours of the car hood surface upon contact, ensuring a tight fit and effective protection of the hood surface. The clamping devices 1 also achieve a horizontal displacement adjustment of 1-180 mm via horizontal guide rails 8, ensuring a close fit to the sides of car hoods of varying widths. Furthermore, the clamping devices 1 achieve a vertical height adjustment of 1-160 mm via guide rails on guide posts 10, accommodating clamping requirements at different hood heights. The clamping device 1 at the rear of the hood stabilizes the rear of the hood, preventing it from lifting or shifting during repair.

[0026] The bracket 4 adopts a welded frame structure. The main frame of the bracket 4 is welded from rectangular steel pipes and annealed to eliminate welding stress. The display screen 11 installed on the upper surface of the bracket 4 displays the car hood model selection menu, the position information of the clamping position, and the numerical curve of the clamping force. The clamping button 12, the correction button 13, and the release button 14 on the upper surface of the bracket 4 correspond to the clamping, correction, and release operations, respectively. The clamping button 12, the correction button 13, and the release button 14 are all designed to be waterproof, dustproof, and wear-resistant, and have clear markings and tactile feedback on their surfaces.

[0027] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments: A flexible clamp for intelligent adjustment in the repair of car hoods mainly consists of four key parts: clamping device 1, rubber support 2, control box 3, and bracket 4. These parts work together to achieve efficient and precise clamping and repair assistance for car hoods.

[0028] Regarding the clamping device 1, each clamping device 1 includes a motor 5, a clamping arm 6, a support column 7, a horizontal guide rail 8, a connecting base plate 9, and a guide post 10. The motor 5 provides clamping power, the clamping arm 6 is equipped with a scale to accurately measure the height of the clamping position after clamping, the support column 7 supports the main structure of the clamping device, the horizontal guide rail 8 allows the clamping device to move left and right, the connecting base plate 9 connects the clamping device to other components, and the guide post 10 is equipped with a guide rail to allow the clamping arm 6 to move up and down. Regarding the rubber support component 2, it is installed on the support positioning hole of the bracket. Made of rubber, it has good elasticity and wear resistance, providing flexible support for the car hood and preventing damage to the hood surface during fixing. It can also adaptively adjust the support state according to the curved shape of the hood. Regarding the control box 3, it is electrically connected to the clamping device 1 and is used to control the automatic operation of the clamping device 1, including controlling the clamping, releasing, and position adjustment actions of the clamping device 1. The control box 3 is equipped with corresponding control circuits and programs to achieve precise control of the clamping device 1. Regarding the bracket 4, it is used to support the entire fixture structure, providing a stable mounting base and ensuring the stability and reliability of the fixture during use. The bracket 4 has a display area and three operation buttons: clamping button 12 for clamping operation, correction button 13 for correction operation, and release button 14 for release operation.

[0029] The clamping device 1 includes multiple independently controllable clamping units, each of which can be adjusted horizontally and vertically to adapt to the contours of different shaped car hood edges, ensuring a uniform clamping force distribution on the hood. There are five clamping units in total: two symmetrically positioned on the left and right sides, and one at the rear of the hood, ensuring clamping stability. The rubber support 2 is made of highly elastic and wear-resistant rubber, and its shape and size match the bottom shape of the car hood, evenly distributing the weight of the hood and preventing damage during clamping and processing. The control box 3 is electrically connected to the clamping device 1 and has programmable functionality. It can store various car hood models and sizes, and can set and adjust the clamping force and position of the clamping device 1 according to different models and sizes of car hoods, achieving intelligent adjustment for various car hoods. After clamping and fixing, the clamping position of the hood can be accurately determined based on the motor sensor and the scale on the clamping arm.

[0030] In the clamping device 1, the motor 1 has an adjustable stroke, allowing for adjustment of the clamping stroke according to different thicknesses and curved surface models of car hoods. The clamping surface of the clamping arm 6 is textured with anti-slip material to increase friction with the car hood and ensure clamping stability. The upper surface of the bracket 4 has a display screen 11 that allows selection of the car hood model, displays the clamping position and clamping force, and includes three operation buttons: a clamping button 13, a correction button, and a release button 14. The guide rails on the horizontal guide rail 8 and guide column 10 are both linear guide rails with high precision, ensuring the stability and accuracy of the clamping device 1 during left-right and up-down movements, achieving precise clamping. The connecting base plate 9 has multiple mounting holes, allowing for secure connection to the worktable or other fixed devices via bolts or other fasteners, ensuring the stability of the entire fixture during operation.

[0031] As a further embodiment, the motor 5 in the clamping device 1 serves as the clamping power source, and its built-in sensor has a real-time monitoring function. During the clamping process, the sensor can accurately capture relevant changes in the clamping action and transmit the data to the control box 3. For example, the magnitude of the clamping force and the clamping position provide key information for the intelligent control of the control box 3. The scale on the clamping arm 6 uses graduated markings, with the smallest scale reaching millimeters, ensuring high accuracy when measuring the height of the clamping position. Its material is high-strength aluminum alloy, which ensures sufficient rigidity while reducing the overall weight, facilitating operation and movement. The support column 7 is welded from a steel structure, and after rust prevention treatment and strength optimization design, it can stably support the main structure of the clamping device, withstand large external impacts without deformation or displacement, and ensure the stability of the entire clamping process. The horizontal guide rail 8 and the linear guide rail on the guide column 10 are made of high-quality alloy steel, ensuring the smoothness and accuracy of the clamping device during left-right and up-down movement. Its internal ball or slider structure design effectively reduces the frictional resistance of movement, making the position adjustment of the clamping unit smoother and more precise. The connecting base plate 9 is made of stainless steel with a thickness of up to 6 mm, which has good corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. The multiple mounting holes on it are designed with standard spacing and diameter, which can be easily bolted to various workbenches or fixed devices to ensure that the clamp is firmly installed on the workbench and prevent shaking or displacement during clamping and repair operations.

[0032] Regarding the layout and adjustment of the clamping device 1, it comprises multiple independently controllable clamping units, typically five. Two clamping units, symmetrically distributed left and right, can achieve precise displacement adjustment of 1 mm to 85 mm in the vertical direction of the clamping arms via a motor-driven screw transmission mechanism. The suction cup-shaped clamping heads are coated with rubber; due to the special properties of the rubber material, they slightly deform according to the contour of the hood surface when clamping it, effectively protecting the hood surface while providing good friction for a tight fit. In the horizontal direction, precise displacement adjustment of 1 mm to 180 mm can be achieved using guide rails and a motor drive, allowing for close contact with the edges of hoods of different widths. In the vertical direction, height adjustment of 1 mm to 160 mm can be achieved using guide rails on the guide post 10 and an electric lifting device to accommodate clamping requirements at different hood heights. A clamping unit at the rear of the hood is primarily used to stabilize the rear of the hood, preventing it from tilting or shifting during repair. This layout and independent control method ensures a uniform and stable clamping force distribution on the edge contours of car hoods of various shapes, effectively avoiding situations where the force is too large or too small in certain areas, and providing a reliable fixing foundation for subsequent repair work.

[0033] As a further embodiment, the supporting portion of the rubber support 2 is made of rubber, which combines excellent elasticity and wear resistance, allowing its shape and size to closely match the bottom shape of common car hoods. When the hood is placed on the rubber support 2, the elasticity of the rubber can evenly distribute the weight of the hood, effectively reducing local pressure on the hood surface. Simultaneously, the rubber's adaptive deformation capability can dynamically adjust according to the curved shape of the hood, always maintaining a tight fit. This provides stable support for the hood during clamping and processing, preventing deformation or damage caused by improper support, and maximizing the protection of the hood's original shape and surface quality.

[0034] The control box 3 integrates a sensor signal processing module, a motor drive module, and a data storage module, and is programmable. Through a human-machine interface, it allows for easy input and storage of various car hood models and detailed dimensional parameters. During actual repair operations, the operator simply selects the corresponding hood model on the control box 3's display screen. The control box 3 automatically retrieves pre-stored parameter information and quickly calculates and sets the optimal clamping force and position of the clamping device 1. Simultaneously, after clamping and fixing, the control box 3 can accurately determine the hood's clamping position information by combining data from the motor sensors and the scale on the clamping arm 6, displaying it in real time on the screen. This provides accurate positioning reference for the repair work, ensuring the precision and consistency of the repair operation.

[0035] The bracket 4 adopts a welded frame structure, with the main frame constructed from rectangular steel tubing. Annealing treatment eliminates welding stress, ensuring the overall structural stability. The display screen 11 mounted on its upper surface clearly displays the car hood model selection menu, clamping position information, and clamping force curves. The clamping button 12, straightening button 13, and releasing button 14 are designed to be waterproof, dustproof, and wear-resistant. The buttons have clear markings and tactile feedback, making it convenient for operators wearing gloves to access the display screen during operation. The buttons correspond to clamping, straightening, and releasing operations, respectively. Operators can easily send operating commands to the control box 3 by simply pressing the buttons, enabling convenient control of the clamping device 1 and improving the efficiency of the repair work.

[0036] As a further embodiment, the present invention provides an installation method and a method for using a flexible clamp for intelligent adjustment of automotive hood repair, the specific steps of which are as follows: Step 1: Fix bracket 4 to the ground or workbench with anchor bolts. Adjust the anchor bolts to make the bracket level according to the actual working environment.

[0037] Step 2: Secure the connecting base plate 9 to the workbench of the bracket using high-strength bolts through its pre-drilled mounting holes, ensuring that the connecting base plate is level and stable.

[0038] Step 3: Vertically weld the support column 7 to the connecting base plate 9 or fasten it with high-strength bolts to ensure the parallelism and perpendicularity between the support columns.

[0039] Step 4: Install the horizontal guide rails 8 onto the support columns 7 in sequence, and use professional tools to ensure that the guide rails are installed firmly.

[0040] Step 5: Assemble the motor 5, clamping arm 6, and guide column 10 onto the horizontal guide rail 8 and support column 7 according to the design position to complete the main structure installation of the clamping device; check whether the moving parts of the motor 5, clamping arm 6, and other components are smooth and without jamming.

[0041] Step 6: Attach anti-slip rubber pads to the clamping surface of clamping arm 6 and the head surface of clamping arm lifting rod, ensuring that the anti-slip pads are tightly attached to the clamping surface without air bubbles or gaps.

[0042] Step 7: Install rubber support 2. Insert rubber support 2 into the positioning hole of bracket 4, ensuring that the rubber support fits tightly with the positioning hole without any obvious gaps. Gently tap with a rubber hammer to install the rubber support in place, and make its surface flush with the upper surface of the bracket.

[0043] Step 8: Install the display screen 11, clamping button 12, correction button 13, and release button 14 on the operation panel of the bracket 4 and on the pre-drilled mounting holes on the upper surface of the bracket 4. Ensure that the display screen is secure and does not wobble, and ensure that the button installation positions conform to ergonomic design for easy operation by the operator.

[0044] Step 9: Place the control box 3 in a position that is easy to operate and observe, and connect the control box to the motor 5 in the clamping device 1, the sensors on the clamping arm 6, etc. via cables.

[0045] Step 10: Connect the power supply to control box 3 and start the control box. Check whether each module is working properly, such as whether the sensor signal is transmitted normally, whether the motor drive module can drive the motor normally, and whether the display screen can display normally. Initialize the human-machine interface of control box 3, including calibrating the display parameters of the display screen, such as brightness and contrast, to ensure that the interface is clearly displayed. Check whether the functions of clamping button 12, correction button 13, and release button 14 are normal. Press each button and observe whether the control box can receive the correct operation command.

[0046] Step 11: Input the car hood information. The operator enters the hood model input interface through the human-machine interface of the control box 3. On this interface, the operator can input the model, specifications and other information of the hood to be repaired via the touch screen or external keyboard. If the database already stores the information of the hood model, it can be selected directly from the drop-down menu. For a new hood model, the operator needs to input the detailed dimensional parameters of the hood, including length, width, height, edge curvature, etc. The control box 3 will store this information in its built-in data storage module for later retrieval.

[0047] Step 11.1: Based on the input hood information, the control box 3 automatically calculates and determines the initial position and required clamping force of each clamping unit; and through the drive motor 5, adjusts the clamping units on the left and right sides to the corresponding initial positions in the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0048] Step 11.2: The motor 5 can drive the lead screw transmission mechanism (not limited to this) to move the clamping arm 6 to the predetermined vertical position according to the calculation results, and accurately control it within ±0.2mm; in the horizontal direction, the motor 5 drives the clamping unit to move along the horizontal guide rail 8 to the corresponding horizontal position, and the position error is controlled within ±0.2mm through the high precision of the guide rail.

[0049] Step 12: Slowly place the car hood to be repaired onto the rubber support 2, ensuring that the center of gravity of the hood is in the center of the support range of the rubber support 2; the operator checks whether the hood is placed stably and how well it fits the rubber support 2, ensuring that the bottom of the hood is in full contact with the rubber support 2, without any suspension or excessive local stress.

[0050] Step 13, clamping operation: Press the clamping button 12 on the worktable. The control box 3 sends a clamping command to the motor 5. The motor 5 starts running, driving the clamping arm 6 closer to the edge of the hood. The sensor on the clamping arm 6 monitors the clamping force and clamping position in real time and feeds the data back to the control box 3. The control box 3 precisely controls the running speed and torque of the motor 5 according to the preset optimal clamping force and clamping position range, so that the clamping force gradually increases until the predetermined initial clamping force is reached. The initial clamping force is usually set to 30%-50% of the maximum allowable clamping force of this type of hood, ensuring that the hood is initially fixed but will not deform due to excessive clamping force.

[0051] Step 14, Correction Operation: When a correction operation is required for the hood, such as adjusting the overall flatness or contour shape of the hood, the operator presses the correction button 13. The control box 3, according to the preset correction program and the current status information of the hood, drives the motor 5 and the corresponding actuator to apply a correction force to the hood. During the correction process, the sensor monitors the correction force and the deformation of the hood in real time and feeds the data back to the control box 3. The control box 3, based on the feedback data and referring to the pre-stored original data of the hood, continuously adjusts the magnitude and direction of the correction force to ensure that the correction process is smooth and safe and avoids secondary damage to the hood.

[0052] Step 15: After correction, the operator performs precise repairs on the hood. The hood is in a stable and ideal repair state. The operator can use repair tools to perform repair operations on the hood, such as reshaping the edges of the hood and stretching, grinding, and welding the dented or damaged areas.

[0053] Step 16: After completing the repair, the operator presses the release button 14. The control box 3 sends a release command to the motor 5. The motor 5 reverses, causing the clamping arm 6 to gradually release the hood. During the release process, the operator observes whether the hood can freely detach from the clamp. If there is any jamming, the operator can manually assist the hood in detaching.

[0054] In summary, this invention discloses a flexible clamp for intelligent adjustment in the repair of automotive hoods, comprising a clamping device, a rubber support, a control box, and a bracket. The clamping device is equipped with sensors, and the motor is connected to the control box, featuring multiple clamping units capable of precise multi-directional displacement. The rubber support adapts to the bottom of the hood, distributing weight and adapting to curved surfaces. The control box is programmable, allowing for setting clamping parameters and displaying positions based on the hood model. The bracket structure is stable, and the display screen and buttons facilitate operation. In use, the components are first installed and debugged, and information is input. The clamp automatically adjusts and places the hood, clamping and correcting it before repair. After completion, the clamp is released. This clamp offers intelligent adjustment and flexible clamping, improving repair accuracy and efficiency. While protecting the hood, it significantly enhances the efficiency and quality of automotive hood repair work, making it worthy of widespread application.

[0055] The contents not described in detail in this specification are existing technologies known to those skilled in the art. The standard parts used can be purchased from the market, and the irregular parts can be customized according to the description and drawings. The specific connection methods of each part adopt conventional methods such as bolts, rivets, and welding that are mature in the existing technology. The machinery, parts and equipment adopt conventional models in the existing technology, and the circuit connection adopts conventional connection methods in the existing technology, which will not be described in detail here.

[0056] This invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Any changes, modifications, substitutions, combinations, or simplifications made without departing from the spirit and principle of this invention shall be considered equivalent substitutions and shall be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A flexible clamp for intelligent adjustment in the repair of automotive hoods, characterized in that: The system includes a clamping device (1), a rubber support (2), a control box (3), and a bracket (4). The clamping device (1) is used to clamp the car hood. At least two clamping devices (1) are provided and distributed on the upper surface of the bracket (4). Each clamping device (1) can be adjusted in both horizontal and vertical directions to adapt to the edge contours of different shaped car hoods, thereby ensuring a uniform clamping force distribution on the hood. The rubber support (2) is installed on the support positioning hole of the bracket (4). The support part of the rubber support (2) is made of rubber. The rubber support (2) is used for... The rubber support (2) provides flexible support for the car hood and avoids damage to the hood surface during the fixing process. The support state is adaptively adjusted according to the curved shape of the hood. The control box (3) is located in the upper part of the bracket (4). The control box (3) is electrically connected to the clamping device (1). The control box (3) is used to control the automatic operation of the clamping device (1), including but not limited to controlling the clamping, releasing and position adjustment actions of the clamping device (1). The bracket (4) is used to support the entire clamping structure and provide an installation base for the clamping device (1), the rubber support (2) and the control box (3).

2. The flexible clamp for intelligent adjustment in repairing automobile hoods as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Each clamping device (1) includes a motor (5), a clamping arm (6), a support column (7), a horizontal guide rail (8), a connecting base plate (9), and a guide column (10). The motor (5) is used to provide clamping power. The output end of the motor (5) is connected to the clamping arm (6). A scale is provided on the clamping arm (6), and the height of the clamping position is measured by the scale. A guide column (10) is provided below the clamping arm (6). A guide rail extending in the vertical direction is provided on the guide column (10). The clamping arm (6) can be moved up and down and connected to the guide rail of the guide column (10). The guide column (10) is fixed on the support column (7). The support column (7) can be moved left and right and connected to the horizontal guide rail (8). The horizontal guide rail (8) is connected to the connecting base plate (9). The horizontal guide rail (8) and the guide rail on the guide column (10) are both linear guide rails.

3. The flexible clamp for intelligent adjustment in repairing automotive hoods as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The shape and size of the rubber support (2) match the bottom shape of the car hood to evenly distribute the weight of the car hood; the control box (3) has a programmable function, the control box (3) stores the models and sizes of various car hoods, and sets and adjusts the clamping force and clamping position of the clamping device (1) according to different models and sizes of car hoods, so as to realize intelligent adjustment of various car hoods, and accurately determine the clamping position of the hood according to the motor (5) sensor and the scale on the clamping arm (6) after clamping and fixing.

4. The flexible clamp for intelligent adjustment in repairing automobile hoods as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The motor (5) adjusts the clamping stroke according to the different thicknesses and curved surfaces of the car hood. The motor (5) has a built-in sensor with real-time monitoring function. During the clamping process, the sensor accurately captures the relevant changes in the clamping action and transmits the data to the control box (3). The clamping surface of the clamping arm (6) is provided with anti-slip texture, which is used to increase the friction with the car hood. The scale on the clamping arm (6) is marked with a scale, and the smallest scale is millimeters. The clamping arm (6) is made of high-strength aluminum alloy. The support column (7) is made of welded steel structure and is treated with rust prevention. The horizontal guide rail (8) and the linear guide rail on the guide column (10) are made of high-quality alloy steel. They are designed with ball or slider structure inside and reduce the moving friction resistance through the ball or slider structure. The connecting base plate (9) is made of stainless steel plate. The connecting base plate (9) is provided with multiple mounting holes and is stably connected to the worktable or other fixed device through the mounting holes.

5. The flexible clamp for intelligent adjustment in repairing automotive hoods as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The control box (3) integrates a sensor signal processing module, a motor drive module and a data storage module. The sensor signal processing module is electrically connected to the sensor built into the motor (5). The motor drive module is connected to the motor (5). The control box (3) inputs and stores the model and size parameters of various car hoods into the data storage module through the human-machine interface. In actual repair operations, the operator selects the corresponding hood model on the display screen of the control box (3). The control box (3) can automatically retrieve the pre-stored parameter information and quickly calculate and set the optimal clamping force and position of the clamping device (1). At the same time, after clamping and fixing, the control box (3) integrates the data from the motor (5) sensor and the scale on the clamping arm (6) to obtain the clamping position information of the hood and displays it on the display screen in real time.

6. The flexible clamp for intelligent adjustment in repairing automotive hoods as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The clamping device (1) is provided in five parts. Two clamping devices (1) are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the bracket (4). One clamping device (1) is provided on the bracket (4) at the rear end of the hood to ensure the stability of the clamping. The upper end face of the bracket (4) is provided with a display screen (11) in front of the hood. The display screen (11) is used to select the car hood model, display the clamping position and clamping force. A clamping button (12), a correction button (13) and a release button (14) are provided on one side of the display screen (11). The clamping button (12) is used for clamping operation, the correction button (13) is used for correction operation, and the release button (14) is used for release operation.

7. The flexible clamp for intelligent adjustment in repairing automotive hoods as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The clamping devices (1) are symmetrically distributed on the left and right sides. The vertical direction of the clamping arms (6) is achieved by a screw transmission mechanism driven by a motor to adjust the displacement from 1 to 85 mm. The suction cup-shaped clamping head is covered with rubber, so that when it comes into contact with the surface of the car hood, it will deform slightly according to the contour of the car hood surface to fit tightly to the car hood and effectively protect the car hood surface. The clamping devices (1) are adjusted by a horizontal guide rail (8) to adjust the displacement from 1 to 180 mm in the horizontal direction to fit tightly to the two sides of the car hood with different widths. The clamping devices (1) are adjusted by a vertical direction by a guide rail on the guide post (10) to adjust the height from 1 to 160 mm to adapt to the clamping requirements of the hood at different height positions. The clamping device (1) at the rear end of the hood is used to stabilize the rear of the hood and prevent it from lifting or shifting during the repair process.

8. The flexible clamp for intelligent adjustment in repairing automobile hoods as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The bracket (4) adopts a welded frame structure. The main frame of the bracket (4) is welded from rectangular steel pipes and annealed to eliminate welding stress. The display screen (11) installed on the upper surface of the bracket (4) displays the car hood model selection menu, the position information of the clamping position, and the numerical curve of the clamping force. The clamping button (12), the correction button (13), and the release button (14) on the upper surface of the bracket (4) correspond to clamping, correction, and release operations, respectively. The clamping button (12), the correction button (13), and the release button (14) are all designed to be waterproof, dustproof, and wear-resistant, and have obvious markings and tactile feedback on their surfaces.

9. A method for installing a flexible clamp for intelligent adjustment of automotive hood repair as described in any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Fix the bracket (4) to the ground or workbench with anchor bolts. Adjust the anchor bolts to make the bracket (4) horizontal according to the actual working environment. Step 2: Secure the connecting base plate (9) to the workbench of the bracket (4) using high-strength bolts through its reserved mounting holes to ensure that the connecting base plate (9) is horizontal and stable; Step 3: Weld the support columns (7) vertically or fasten them to the connecting base plate (9) with high-strength bolts to ensure the parallelism and verticality between the support columns (7); Step 4: Install the horizontal guide rails (8) onto the support column (7) in sequence, ensuring that the horizontal guide rails (8) are installed firmly; Step 5: Assemble the motor (5), clamping arm (6) and guide column (10) onto the horizontal guide rail (8) and support column (7) according to the design position to complete the main structure installation of the clamping device (1). Check whether the moving parts of the motor (5) and clamping arm (6) are smooth and without jamming. Step 6: Attach anti-slip rubber pads to the clamping surface of the clamping arm (6) and the head surface of the clamping arm lifting rod to ensure that the anti-slip pads are in close contact with the clamping surface; Step 7: Insert the rubber support (2) into the positioning hole of the bracket (4) to ensure that the rubber support (2) fits tightly with the positioning hole; gently tap the rubber support (2) with a rubber hammer to install the rubber support (2) in place and make its surface flush with the upper surface of the bracket (4); Step 8: Install the display screen (11), clamping button (12), correction button (13), and release button (14) on the mounting holes reserved on the upper end face of the bracket (4) to ensure that the display screen (11) is firm and does not wobble. Step 9: Place the control box (3) in a position that is easy to operate and observe, and connect the control box (3) to the motor (5) and clamping arm (6) in the clamping device (1) via cables; Step 10: Connect the power supply to the control box (3), start the control box (3) to run, check whether the sensor signal in the clamping device (1) is transmitted normally, whether the motor drive module can drive the motor (5) normally, and whether the display screen (11) can display normally. Step 11: Initialize the human-machine interface of the control box (3), including calibrating the display parameters of the display screen (11), checking whether the functions of the clamping button (12), the correction button (13), and the release button (14) are normal, pressing each button and observing whether the control box (3) can receive the correct operation instructions.

10. A method of using a flexible clamp for intelligent adjustment in repairing an automobile hood as described in any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 100: The operator enters the car hood model input interface through the human-machine interface of the control box (3). On this interface, the model, specifications and other information of the hood to be repaired can be entered through the touch screen or external keyboard. If the database has already stored the information of the hood model, it can be selected directly from the drop-down menu. For a new hood model, the operator enters the size parameters of the hood, including length, width, height and edge curvature. The control box (3) stores this information in its built-in data storage module for later retrieval. Step 200: Slowly place the car hood to be repaired onto the rubber support (2) to ensure that the center of gravity of the hood is in the center of the support range of the rubber support (2); the operator checks whether the hood is placed stably and how well it fits the rubber support (2) to ensure that the bottom of the hood is in full contact with the rubber support (2). Step 300, clamping operation: Press the clamping button (12) on the workbench, and the control box (3) sends a clamping command to the motor (5); the motor (5) starts to run, driving the clamping arm (6) to move closer to the edge of the hood; the sensor on the clamping arm (6) monitors the clamping force and clamping position in real time and feeds the data back to the control box (3); the control box (3) precisely controls the running speed and torque of the motor (5) according to the preset optimal clamping force and clamping position range, so that the clamping force gradually increases until the predetermined initial clamping force is reached; the initial clamping force is usually set to 30%-50% of the maximum allowable clamping force of this model of hood, to ensure that the hood is initially fixed but will not deform due to excessive clamping force; Step 400, Correction operation: When it is necessary to perform a correction operation on the hood, the operator presses the correction button (13), and the control box (3) applies a correction force to the hood by driving the motor (5) and the corresponding actuator according to the preset correction program and the current status information of the hood. During the correction process, the sensor monitors the correction force and the deformation of the hood in real time and feeds the data back to the control box (3). The control box (3) adjusts the magnitude and direction of the correction force based on the feedback data and the pre-stored original data of the hood to ensure that the correction process is stable and safe so as to avoid secondary damage to the hood. Step 500: After correction, the operator performs precise repairs on the hood. The hood is in a stable and ideal repair state. The operator uses repair tools to repair the hood, such as reshaping the edges of the hood and stretching, grinding, and welding the dented and damaged areas. Step 600: After completing the repair operation, the operator presses the release button (14), and the control box (3) sends a release command to the motor (5). The motor (5) reverses, causing the clamping arm (6) to gradually release the hood. During the release process, the operator observes whether the hood can freely detach from the clamp. If there is a jamming phenomenon, the operator manually assists the hood to detach.

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