Actuator-Driven Clamping Device for Control Cabinet Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for clamping control cabinet components during machining are often manually adjustable and lack efficient mechanical solutions for secure positioning, leading to operational challenges and potential shifting during machining processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and machining device that utilize an actuator-driven shifting unit to move a clamping device with a swivel-mounted clamping element to multiple contact points along the edge of the workpiece, securing it in place for machining, using pneumatically or electronically operated actuators and guide rails for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manually adjustable clamping devices are used to secure the control cabinet component, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of securing the workpiece and preventing shifting during machining deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping element is designed to automatically perform clamping action through its own movement along the guide rail. When the clamping element moves from the starting position to the clamped position, it automatically engages with the workpiece edge and secures it, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while ensuring reliable positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping element is designed to be movable along the guide rail, transitioning between a starting position and a clamped position. This dynamic structure allows the clamping element to adapt to different workpiece positions automatically, maintaining reliability without complex manual adjustment mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If manual clamping methods are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the productivity of the machining process deteriorates due to time-consuming manual adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical adjustment operation is replaced by an automated actuating mechanism that moves the clamping element along the guide rail. This substitution eliminates time-consuming manual adjustment while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping element is positioned in advance at a starting position before machining begins. The actuating mechanism then automatically moves it to the clamped position, preparing the workpiece for machining without requiring manual intervention during the process, thereby improving productivity
3Reliability
If the clamping element contacts the workpiece at multiple points, then the reliability of preventing perpendicular shifting is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail serves as an intermediary element that guides the clamping element's movement and ensures precise positioning. The guide rail simplifies the positioning mechanism by providing a predefined path, allowing the clamping element to achieve multiple contact points without complex positioning systems
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping element is designed to move dynamically along the guide rail, automatically adapting its position to contact the workpiece at multiple points. This dynamic movement along a guided path achieves reliable multi-point contact without requiring complex static positioning mechanisms
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates easier and more secure operational handling of control cabinet components by mechanically clamping them in a non-manual manner, preventing perpendicular shifting during machining and allowing for efficient machining processes such as milling, drilling, plasma, or laser processing.
Implementation Method 1
The clamping element (14) is swivel mounted on a pivotal axis (15)
Implementation Method 2
a supporting unit (7), having at least one clamping device (8, 9) arranged thereon, is shifted to an edge of the workpiece using an actuator-driven shifting unit
Implementation Method 3
the clamping element comes to rest at multiple contact points on the workpiece so that the clamping element secures the workpiece in a machining position, preventing it from shifting perpendicularly to the work surface
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and machining device for clamping and machining a control cabinet component in a machining device. The method includes the following steps: Arranging a workpiece configured as a control cabinet component on a work surface of a machining device; clamping the workpiece on the work surface, wherein a supporting unit with at least one clamping device arranged on it, is shifted to an edge of the workpiece using an actuator-driven shifting unit and a clamping element of the at least one clamping device is shifted from a released position to a clamped position when guided towards the edge of the workpiece, meaning that the clamping element comes to rest at multiple contact points on the workpiece so that the clamping element secures the workpiece in a machining position, preventing it from shifting perpendicularly to the work surface, and machining the workpiece using a machining tool.