An adaptive load regulated automated clamping mechanism
By using an adaptive adjustment layer with a multi-layer composite structure, the problem of adaptability of existing clamping mechanisms to irregular workpiece surfaces is solved, achieving uniform stress distribution and clamping stability, and improving the durability and versatility of the fixture.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SUZHOU NASTING AUTOMATION EQUIP CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
Smart Images
Figure CN224489151U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automated clamping technology, specifically an automated clamping mechanism with adaptive load adjustment. Background Technology
[0002] In modern industrial automation, clamping mechanisms are widely used in the positioning, fixing, and handling of workpieces, playing a crucial role, especially in CNC machining, assembly lines, and robot operation. With the increasing demands for manufacturing precision, clamping devices not only need sufficient clamping force but also must ensure good adaptability to workpieces of different shapes and sizes to guarantee processing stability and operational safety.
[0003] Existing automated clamping mechanisms mostly use rigid clamping surfaces or elastic pads with fixed structures. When clamping irregular workpieces or workpieces with large differences in surface precision, uneven stress distribution on the contact surface often leads to local stress concentration. This can cause minor damage or deformation to the workpiece surface, or even cause clamping instability, affecting machining accuracy. In particular, when dealing with curved surfaces, irregular edges, or multi-step structures, traditional clamping surfaces cannot achieve effective contact, resulting in a reduced actual clamping contact area, decreased clamping reliability, and the need to frequently change chucks of different specifications to adapt to different workpieces, reducing production efficiency and versatility. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an adaptive load-adjustable automated clamping mechanism to solve the problems mentioned in the background art, such as the clamping surface of the current automated clamping mechanism being difficult to adapt to the irregular workpiece surface contour, resulting in uneven contact stress distribution, easy workpiece damage, poor clamping stability, and insufficient versatility.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: an adaptive load-adjustable automated clamping mechanism, comprising a clamping arm body, a clamping block at the end of the clamping arm body, an adaptive adjustment layer composed of a multi-layer composite structure embedded on the inner surface of the clamping block, the adaptive adjustment layer comprising, from the outside to the inside, a flexible contact layer, an elastic deformable mesh layer and a stress buffer substrate, the flexible contact layer being fixedly connected to the elastic deformable mesh layer by anchoring posts, the elastic deformable mesh layer being composed of multiple honeycomb-shaped independently buckling metal mesh units, and the stress buffer substrate being connected to the inner cavity of the clamping block by a sliding slot structure and connected to the elastic deformable mesh layer by an elastic connecting post.
[0006] Preferably, the flexible contact layer is made of silicone rubber material, with staggered arc-shaped anti-slip ridges on its outer surface and blind holes for installing anchor columns evenly distributed inside.
[0007] Preferably, the metal mesh unit in the elastic deformable mesh layer is a hexagonal stainless steel wire woven mesh, and adjacent mesh units are separated by flexible partitions. Each mesh unit is provided with a ball joint connector at the bottom that cooperates with the elastic connecting post.
[0008] Preferably, the stress buffer substrate is a laminated composite plate structure, including a high-damping rubber layer in the middle and aluminum alloy plates on the upper and lower sides. The stress buffer substrate is provided with a T-shaped slider on its outer periphery, which slides in cooperation with the T-shaped groove on the inner wall of the clamping block.
[0009] Preferably, the anchor post is a stepped cylinder, with the large end of the anchor post embedded in the flexible contact layer and the small end of the anchor post passing through the elastic deformable mesh layer and welded thereto for fixation.
[0010] Preferably, the elastic connecting column consists of an outer spring and an inner core tie rod. The two ends of the outer spring are welded to the elastic deformation mesh layer and the stress buffer substrate, respectively. The two ends of the inner core tie rod are threaded and are threaded to the connecting seat at the bottom of the elastic deformation mesh layer and the threaded hole at the top of the stress buffer substrate, respectively.
[0011] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This adaptive load-adjusting automated clamping mechanism can adaptively conform to the surface of workpieces of different shapes, effectively disperse clamping stress, reduce workpiece damage, and improve clamping stability and versatility. The mechanism enhances the surface adhesion stability through the connection structure between the flexible contact layer and the anchoring column. The honeycomb-shaped metal mesh unit design in the elastic deformation mesh layer achieves local independent deformation and overall coordinated response. The sliding groove cooperation between the stress buffer substrate and the clamping block improves the uniformity of force transmission. Combined with the elastic connection effect of the elastic connecting column, the overall structure forms multi-level buffering and adaptive adjustment during clamping. Attached Figure Description
[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an automated clamping mechanism with adaptive load adjustment according to the present invention.
[0013] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the outer end structure of the clamping block of an automated clamping mechanism with adaptive load adjustment according to this utility model.
[0014] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the outer structure of the elastic deformable mesh layer of an automated clamping mechanism with adaptive load adjustment according to this utility model.
[0015] In the figure: 1. Clamping arm body; 2. Clamping block; 3. Adaptive adjustment layer; 4. Flexible contact layer; 5. Elastic deformation mesh layer; 6. Stress buffer substrate; 61. High damping rubber layer; 62. Aluminum alloy plate; 7. Anchor post; 8. Elastic connecting post; 81. Outer spring; 82. Inner core tie rod. Detailed Implementation
[0016] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0017] Please see Figure 1-3This utility model provides a technical solution: an adaptive load-adjustable automated clamping mechanism, including a clamping arm body 1, a clamping block 2 at the end of the clamping arm body 1, and an adaptive adjustment layer 3 composed of a multi-layer composite structure embedded on the inner surface of the clamping block 2. The adaptive adjustment layer 3 includes, from the outside to the inside, a flexible contact layer 4, an elastic deformation mesh layer 5, and a stress buffer substrate 6. The flexible contact layer 4 is fixedly connected to the elastic deformation mesh layer 5 by anchoring posts 7. The elastic deformation mesh layer 5 is composed of multiple honeycomb-shaped independently buckling metal mesh units. The stress buffer substrate 6 is connected to the inner cavity of the clamping block 2 through a sliding slot structure and is connected to the elastic deformation mesh layer 5 through an elastic connecting post 8. This structure allows the clamping arm body 1 to drive the clamping block 2 towards the workpiece. When the flexible contact layer 4 approaches and contacts the workpiece surface, it first comes into contact with the workpiece. Since the workpiece surface may have curved surfaces, steps, or irregular contours, the contact pressure is uneven in different areas. At this time, the flexible contact layer 4 undergoes slight deformation under local pressure, and the stress is transferred to the inner elastic deformation mesh layer 5 through the anchoring column 7. Multiple honeycomb-shaped metal mesh units in the elastic deformation mesh layer 5 can independently buckle and deform according to the stress location, achieving local adaptive depression or bulging, thereby causing the overall clamping surface to conform to the workpiece contour. Simultaneously, the stress buffer substrate 6 generates a slight displacement within the cavity of the clamping block 2 through a sliding slot structure, absorbing some of the impact stress, and forms a linkage buffer with the elastic deformation mesh layer 5 through the elastic connecting column 8, further... The distribution of clamping force is adjusted stepwise, effectively increasing the actual contact area during clamping and avoiding stress concentration caused by rigid contact. This solves the problems of workpiece surface damage, unstable clamping, decreased reliability, and frequent chuck replacement caused by the inability of the clamping surface to conform to irregular workpieces in existing technologies. It significantly improves the adaptability and clamping stability of the clamping mechanism to workpieces of different shapes. The flexible contact layer 4 is made of silicone rubber, with staggered arc-shaped anti-slip ridges on its outer surface and blind holes evenly distributed inside for installing anchor posts 7. This flexible contact layer 4 relies on the elastic deformation ability of silicone rubber material, combined with the arc-shaped anti-slip ridges on the surface, to achieve flexible contact with the workpiece surface and enhance friction to prevent slippage during clamping. The interference fit with the anchor post 7 ensures that the flexible contact layer 4 does not detach or deform during repeated compression and rebound, maintaining a stable connection with the elastic deformation mesh layer 5. This ensures good stress dispersion and clamping reliability even after long-term use, effectively improving the fixture's durability and adaptability. The metal mesh units in the elastic deformation mesh layer 5 are hexagonal stainless steel wire woven meshes, separated by flexible partitions. Each mesh unit has a ball joint connector at its bottom that mates with the elastic connecting post 8. This structure allows the hexagonal stainless steel wire woven mesh in the elastic deformation mesh layer 5 to achieve local independent buckling in different stress areas due to its structural stability and elastic deformation capability, effectively adapting to the irregular contours of the workpiece surface. The flexible partitions between adjacent mesh units prevent mutual interference.To ensure the independence and uniformity of deformation of each unit, the ball joint connector at the bottom of each mesh unit forms a rotatable connection with the elastic connecting column 8, allowing the mesh unit to adjust its angle under pressure. In conjunction with the multi-point response of the overall structure, the stress buffer substrate 6 is a layered composite plate structure, including a high-damping rubber layer 61 in the middle and aluminum alloy plates 62 on the upper and lower sides. A T-shaped slider is provided on the outer periphery of the stress buffer substrate 6, which slides in engagement with a T-shaped groove on the inner wall of the clamping block 2. When the clamping block 2 contacts the workpiece and applies pressure, the stress buffer substrate 6 moves along the T-shaped groove on the outer periphery of the T-shaped slider within the inner cavity of the clamping block 2. A slight sliding displacement is generated in the groove, enabling the overall substrate to float and adjust to adapt to dynamic changes in clamping force. Simultaneously, the high-damping rubber layer 61 in its layered structure effectively absorbs and dissipates impact vibration energy, reducing sudden stress changes during clamping. The aluminum alloy plates 62 on the upper and lower sides provide structural support and rigidity, preventing large deformation instability. The anchor column 7 is a stepped cylinder, with its large end embedded in the flexible contact layer 4, and its small end passing through and welded to the elastic deformable mesh layer 5. In this structure, when the flexible contact layer 4 is compressed and deformed during clamping, the large end of the anchor column 7 remains within the flexible contact layer 4. A strong limiting fit is formed to prevent it from falling off or loosening, ensuring the effective transmission of deformation force. This improves the connection strength and maintains interlayer stability during repeated compression and rebound, avoiding delamination or misalignment. This ensures the reliability of the overall collaborative operation of the adaptive adjustment layer 3. Several sets of elastic connecting columns 8 are evenly arranged. Each elastic connecting column 8 consists of an outer spring 81 and an inner core tie rod 82. The two ends of the outer spring 81 are welded to the elastic deformation mesh layer 5 and the stress buffer substrate 6, respectively. The two ends of the inner core tie rod 82 are threaded and respectively connect to the connecting seat at the bottom of the elastic deformation mesh layer 5 and the threaded hole at the top of the stress buffer substrate 6. In this threaded connection structure, when the clamping block 2 applies clamping force to the workpiece, the outer spring 81 in the elastic connecting column 8 first comes into play. Its two ends are welded to the elastic deformable mesh layer 5 and the stress buffer base plate 6 respectively, absorbing and buffering the impact and vibration generated during clamping. This allows the clamping force to be evenly distributed across the entire clamping surface. The inner core pull rod 82 provides additional mechanical support and limiting functions at both ends, ensuring the relative position between the elastic deformable mesh layer 5 and the stress buffer base plate 6 remains stable under heavy loads, preventing excessive compression or instability. This dual mechanism enhances the overall structural stability and durability.
[0018] Working Principle: When using this adaptive load-adjustable automated clamping mechanism, the clamping arm body 1 first moves the clamping block 2 towards the workpiece under the action of the external drive device. When the flexible contact layer 4 on the clamping block 2 contacts the workpiece surface, as the clamping force is continuously applied, the flexible contact layer 4 deforms under local pressure. The anchoring column 7 inside is then subjected to force and transmits the stress to the inner elastic deformation mesh layer 5. Multiple hexagonal stainless steel wire braided mesh units in the elastic deformation mesh layer 5 independently buckle and deform according to the contour difference of the contact area. The ball joint connecting seat at the bottom of each mesh unit rotates at a micro-angle around the elastic connecting column 8, realizing the local deformation of the clamping surface. The parts adapt to fit together. At the same time, the outer spring 81 in the elastic connecting column 8 is compressed, and its two ends drive the elastic deformation mesh layer 5 and the stress buffer substrate 6 to generate relative displacement. The stress buffer substrate 6 slides along the T-shaped groove in the inner cavity of the clamping block 2 through the T-shaped slider, realizing the floating adjustment of the entire substrate. The high damping rubber layer 61 inside undergoes elastic deformation. The aluminum alloy plates 62 on the upper and lower sides maintain structural support. The inner core tie rod 82 constrains the maximum distance between the elastic deformation mesh layer 5 and the stress buffer substrate 6 through the threaded connection at both ends to prevent structural instability. Finally, the workpiece is stably clamped through the coordinated deformation of each layer of the structure, thus completing a series of tasks.
[0019] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. An automated clamping mechanism with adaptive load adjustment, comprising a clamping arm body (1), wherein a clamping block (2) is provided at the end of the clamping arm body (1), characterized in that: The inner surface of the clamping block (2) is embedded with an adaptive adjustment layer (3) composed of a multi-layer composite structure. The adaptive adjustment layer (3) includes a flexible contact layer (4), an elastic deformation mesh layer (5) and a stress buffer substrate (6) from the outside to the inside. The flexible contact layer (4) is fixedly connected to the elastic deformation mesh layer (5) through anchoring posts (7). The elastic deformation mesh layer (5) is composed of multiple honeycomb-shaped independently buckling metal mesh units. The stress buffer substrate (6) is connected to the inner cavity of the clamping block (2) through a sliding slot structure and is connected to the elastic deformation mesh layer (5) through an elastic connecting post (8).
2. The adaptive load adjustment automated clamping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flexible contact layer (4) is made of silicone rubber material, with staggered arc-shaped anti-slip ridges on its outer surface and blind holes evenly distributed inside for installing anchoring columns (7).
3. The adaptive load adjustment automatic clamping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The metal mesh unit in the elastic deformable mesh layer (5) is a hexagonal stainless steel wire woven mesh. Adjacent mesh units are separated by flexible partitions. Each mesh unit has a ball joint connecting seat at the bottom that cooperates with the elastic connecting column (8).
4. The adaptive load-adjusting automated clamping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stress buffer substrate (6) is a laminated composite plate structure, including a high-damping rubber layer (61) in the middle and aluminum alloy plates (62) on the upper and lower sides. The stress buffer substrate (6) is provided with a T-shaped slider on its outer periphery, which slides in cooperation with the T-shaped groove on the inner wall of the clamping block (2).
5. The adaptive load adjustment automated clamping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The anchor column (7) is a stepped cylinder. The large end of the anchor column (7) is embedded in the flexible contact layer (4), and the small end of the anchor column (7) passes through the elastic deformable mesh layer (5) and is welded and fixed thereto.
6. The adaptive load adjustment automatic clamping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic connecting column (8) is composed of an outer spring (81) and an inner core tie rod (82). The outer spring (81) is welded to the elastic deformation mesh layer (5) and the stress buffer substrate (6) at both ends. The inner core tie rod (82) is threaded at both ends and is threaded to the connecting seat at the bottom of the elastic deformation mesh layer (5) and the threaded hole at the top of the stress buffer substrate (6) respectively.