Adjustable Clamp Unit for Multi-Diameter Shaft Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices require multiple components of different sizes to accommodate varying shaft diameters, increasing costs due to the need for customized parts.
Innovation Solution
A clamping unit with a movable operation member, a changeable protruding pressing body, and an inclined surface that adjusts the protruding amount to accommodate different shaft diameters, allowing for a commonized clamping unit that can be attached to brackets of various sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If components of different sizes are prepared according to shaft size, then clamping accuracy for different shaft diameters is improved, but the number of components increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing body is designed to be movable relative to the case, allowing its protruding amount to be dynamically adjusted. When the operation member moves in the pressing promotion direction, the inclined surface increases the protruding amount of the pressing body, enabling the same component to adapt to different shaft diameters without requiring multiple sized components
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding amount of the pressing body from the case is changed as a variable parameter. By moving the operation member, the protruding amount adjusts, which changes the clamping characteristics to accommodate different shaft diameters, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-size components
2Manufacturing precision
If components of different sizes are prepared according to shaft size, then clamping accuracy for different shaft diameters is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping unit is designed as a universal component that can handle multiple shaft diameters. The pressing body's adjustable protruding amount allows a single clamping unit to perform multiple clamping functions for different sized shafts, reducing the need to manufacture and inventory multiple specialized components
3Device complexity
If the protruding amount of the pressing body is fixed, then the structure is simplified, but the clamping unit cannot accommodate different shaft diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing body transitions from a fixed position to a movable one controlled by the operation member. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the same simple structure to achieve multiple protruding amounts, providing adaptability without significantly increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined surface acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operation member's linear movement and the pressing body's protruding amount adjustment. This simple geometric feature enables the conversion of motion without requiring complex 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
This solution reduces the number of components needed and lowers costs by enabling a single clamping unit to securely clamp targets with different diameters, while minimizing deformation and maintaining secure clamping.
Implementation Method 1
a first biasing member that biases the operation member in the pressing promotion direction
Implementation Method 2
The inclined surface is configured to increase the protruding amount of the pressing body from the case when the movable body changes in position as the operation member moves in the pressing promotion direction
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping unit includes a case with a contact surface, an operation member arranged movable in a pressing cancellation direction and a pressing promotion direction relative to the case, a pressing body arranged in a movable manner in the case to oppose the contact surface, and a movable body between the pressing body and contact surface. At least one of the contact surface, movable body, and pressing body includes an inclined surface. The inclined surface increases a protruding amount of the pressing body from the case when the movable body changes in position as the operation member moves in the pressing promotion direction and eases pressing of the movable body against the pressing body when the movable body changes in position as the operation member moves in the pressing cancellation direction to permit a decrease in the protruding amount of the pressing body from the case.