Ball-Groove Clamping Mechanism for Low-Wear Changeover Coupling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamping systems experience significant wear due to the concentrated application of coupling forces, leading to undesirable wear on support surfaces during frequent clamping processes.

Innovation Solution

A clamping system design where clamping balls roll circumferentially along helical groove profiles to distribute the coupling force over a larger surface area, reducing material wear and friction through a rolling movement facilitated by a pivot bearing and rotational alignment of elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If coupling force is built up by radial movement of balls against a groove edge, then the clamping devices can be coupled with desired coupling force, but significant wear occurs on the support surface due to concentrated force application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling forceVSAvoidmaterial wear

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions the ball movement from a radial direction to a circumferential direction along helical groove profiles. This dimensional change in the movement path allows the coupling force to be distributed over a larger surface area of the support surface, reducing concentrated wear while maintaining the necessary coupling force between clamping devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a rolling movement mechanism where balls roll along helical groove profiles during circumferential movement. This dynamic rolling action, facilitated by pivot bearings, reduces static friction and minimizes wear compared to sliding or radial pressing mechanisms, while still enabling effective force transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Force

If balls are pressed radially against a groove edge to build up coupling force, then the clamping devices achieve proper contact, but frictional forces are high due to concentrated contact area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling forceVSAvoidfriction

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the movement dimension from radial to circumferential, allowing balls to roll along helical groove profiles. This distributes the contact area along the circumferential direction, reducing frictional forces while maintaining the necessary coupling force for proper clamping device contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs spherical balls that roll along curved helical groove profiles. The spherical geometry of the balls combined with the helical curvature of the grooves enables smooth rolling motion, minimizing sliding friction and energy loss while effectively transmitting the coupling force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 significantly reduces material wear and friction, ensuring a more durable and efficient clamping process by distributing the force over a larger surface area and minimizing frictional forces.

Implementation Method 1

clamping balls (6) are mounted so that they can roll along a circular line around the first device axis (2a)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling movement: Ball Bearing

Implementation Method 2

significantly reduces material wear and friction, ensuring a more durable and efficient clamping process by distributing the force over a larger surface area and minimizing frictional forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction reduction through rolling: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4613447A1Clamping system and changeover system having the same

Publication Date: 2025.09.10 SUHNER SCHWEIZ AG

Figure 1~3
Figure 4~8
Figure 9~13

AI summary

The clamping system (1) according to the invention comprises a first and a second clamping device (2, 3), which have a first and a second contact surface (2b, 3b) respectively and can be coupled such that the first and the second contact surface (2b, 3b) bear against one another when subjected to a coupling force. The first clamping device (2) comprises a first element (4), a second element (5), and at least three clamping balls (6), wherein the first and the second element (4, 5) are rotatable relative to one another and the at least three clamping balls (6) are mounted so as to roll along a circular line at fixed positions of the second element (5). The second clamping device (3) has at least three groove guides (9) which are assigned to the clamping balls (6) and have helical groove profiles in clamping sections (9b).When the clamping devices (2, 3) are coupled, the first regions (6a) of the clamping balls (6) are brought into a clamping position by rotating the second element (5) relative to the first element (4), which presses the first and second contact surfaces (2b, 3b) together with the coupling force. During coupling, the clamping balls (6) roll over large distances in the clamping sections (9b), resulting in minimal material wear and ensuring actuation with reduced force.