Annular Engaging Mechanism for Precision Positioning Accuracy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning and clamping devices for machining tools and metal molds face challenges in maintaining high positioning accuracy due to increased production costs, wear, and reduced accuracy over time, primarily caused by complex structures and localized stress, which lead to misalignment and uneven clamping forces.
Innovation Solution
A positioning and clamping device featuring a protruding cylindrical shaft with an annular engaging mechanism that elastically deforms radially, utilizing multiple ribs for increased rigidity and alignment, and a clamping mechanism with steel balls making face or line contact with engagement recesses to distribute force evenly, reducing wear and maintaining accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tapered collet is fitted slidably onto a cylindrical shaft and pressed elastically upward by a spring, then the pallet is positioned in the horizontal direction, but the structure increases the number of parts and production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the positioning function and clamping function into a single integrated structure. The cylindrical shaft with annular engaging mechanism merges the datum function (positioning) and the clamping function, eliminating the need for separate tapered collet components while maintaining positioning accuracy through the annular engaging mechanism that elastically deforms radially.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical shaft is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both the positioning datum (through the annular tapered surface) and the clamping element (through the annular engaging mechanism with steel balls). This multi-functional design reduces the number of parts while achieving both positioning and clamping objectives.
2Force
If multiple steel balls are used to exert significant force on the annular engaging surface, then clamping force is increased, but localized stress causes wear and reduced positioning accuracy over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the annular engaging mechanism with multiple ribs that distribute the clamping force across different locations. The steel balls engage with engagement recesses at multiple points around the annular tapered surface, preventing localized stress concentration and reducing wear at any single point, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular engaging mechanism is segmented into multiple ribs with individual engagement recesses. Instead of a single clamping point, the force is distributed across multiple segmented contact points (engagement recesses), which reduces localized stress and prevents wear-induced positioning errors.
3Measurement precision
If the annular engaging mechanism is elastically deformed outward radially toward the annular tapered surface, then the pallet is positioned in the horizontal direction, but the structure requires complex elastic deformation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes elastic deformation as a parameter change mechanism. The annular engaging mechanism is designed to elastically deform outward radially when the pallet is pulled down, allowing the steel balls to engage with the annular tapered surface. This elastic deformation enables precise horizontal positioning through simple radial movement rather than complex mechanical 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
The solution enhances positioning accuracy, reduces production costs by minimizing components, and prevents functional deterioration from machining oils and cutting powders, ensuring stable clamping and prolonged high-accuracy performance.
Implementation Method 1
an annular engaging mechanism that is formed on an inner periphery side portion of the annular engagement member, so as to be capable of engaging with the annular tapered surface and of elastically deforming in the radial direction
Implementation Method 2
a clamping mechanism with steel balls making face or line contact with engagement recesses to distribute force evenly, reducing wear and maintaining accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning mechanism in a positioning and clamping device includes an annular tapered surface that is formed on an outer periphery of a cylindrical shaft for positioning a pallet in the horizontal direction, and has a decreasing diameter toward an axial tip of the cylindrical shaft. An annular engaging mechanism, which is formed on an inner periphery side portion of an annular engagement member, is engageable with the annular tapered surface, and is elastically deformed in the radial direction, as a result of engagement with the annular tapered surface. The engaging mechanism has a tapered ring portion, which makes a face contact with the annular tapered surface, and multiple ribs extending outward, radially, from the tapered ring portion.