Ball-Lock Captive Clamping Pin for Quick Tooling Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tooling systems for clamping workpieces during machining are laborious, time-consuming, and prone to operator strain and wear, as they rely on repetitive twisting motions and threaded connections that weaken over time.
Innovation Solution
A ball-lock captive pin system with an adjustable-length pin and handle assembly, where the pin is operated by a plunger to project or retract balls for quick clamping and release, and a bushing assembly with a locking mechanism to secure the pin, allowing for precise alignment and adjustable clamping force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a threaded captive screw system is used for clamping workpieces, then the clamping force can be applied through rotational motion, but the repeated twisting motion causes operator strain and wear on the threads over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional threaded screw mechanism with a ball-lock pin system. The pin features balls that can protrude through apertures to engage with corresponding recesses, providing clamping force through a locking mechanism rather than continuous threading. This substitution eliminates the need for repeated twisting motions, reducing operator strain while maintaining effective clamping force through the ball-lock engagement system.
2Strength
If a threaded captive screw system is used for clamping workpieces, then the connection can be adjusted through rotation, but the repeated twisting motion causes wear on the threads that weakens the connection over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the threaded connection system with a ball-lock mechanism. The balls protruding through apertures engage with recesses in a positive locking manner, eliminating thread wear. This mechanical substitution provides a more durable connection that does not degrade from repeated use, as the ball-lock engagement relies on geometric fitting rather than friction-based threading.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin system incorporates movable balls that can transition between retracted and protruded states through apertures. This dynamic mechanism allows the connection to be quickly engaged and disengaged without the wear associated with threaded systems, maintaining connection strength and reliability over time through repeated operations.
3Strength
If a traditional clamping system with multiple components is used, then the clamping force can be distributed, but the setup and breakdown processes become laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple clamping components into a single integrated ball-lock pin assembly. The pin incorporates the clamping element, the locking balls, and the engagement mechanism in one unified component that passes through aligned apertures in the workpiece and tooling. This consolidation allows the entire clamping operation to be completed through a single insertion and locking motion, dramatically reducing setup and breakdown time while maintaining distributed clamping force through the ball-lock engagement points.
4Speed
If a simple pin without locking mechanism is used, then the insertion is quick, but the pin cannot maintain secure positioning under machining forces
Solution Approach 1:
The pin system incorporates preliminary locking action through the ball-lock mechanism. As the pin is inserted, the balls are positioned to automatically engage with the recesses in the workpiece and tooling, securing the pin in place before the machining operation begins. This preliminary locking action maintains positioning security under machining forces while keeping the insertion process quick and simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-release captive clamping pin that uses a ball-lock pin and an endcap assembly to provide a tooling assembly with both holding and clamping action with a quick-release function. The captive clamping pin may include an adjustable-length ball-lock pin inserted through the tool and workpiece, where the length adjustment is used to apply clamping force.