Cam-Actuated Clamp Ring for Uniform Cylinder Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems for securing cylindrical products in manufacturing tools, such as gas springs, require time-consuming and precise machining, leading to increased complexity and cost due to custom fitting techniques that struggle with vibrations and motion-related issues.
Innovation Solution
A clamp assembly featuring a mount ring with ovate outer perimeter, radially inwardly facing surfaces, and a cam mechanism that moves a clamp along a transverse axis to provide uniform force on a cylinder, utilizing reliefs and countersinks for flexible clamping and reduced material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom fitting techniques are used to secure cylindrical products, then the clamping force and stability are improved, but the manufacturing time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is divided into modular components including a clamp body, cam mechanism, and mounting features that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for simplified individual part fabrication while maintaining overall clamping effectiveness, eliminating the need for time-consuming custom fitting of integrated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp and cam components are pre-configured with standardized mounting features and geometries during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation enables rapid assembly without requiring time-consuming on-site fitting or adjustment, directly reducing manufacturing time while ensuring proper clamping function.
2Productivity
If precise machining is used to achieve uniform clamping force, then the clamping efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism introduces dynamic adjustment capability that compensates for variations in cylindrical product dimensions and mounting tolerances. This dynamic feature allows the clamp to automatically adapt and distribute clamping force uniformly without requiring precisely machined components, thereby maintaining high clamping efficiency while reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism transforms rotational motion into linear clamping displacement, providing a mechanical advantage that amplifies the clamping force. This parameter transformation allows uniform clamping force to be achieved through simple cam geometry rather than precise machining of multiple components, reducing manufacturing complexity while improving clamping efficiency.
3Strength
If traditional fastening systems are used, then the structural strength is maintained, but the material usage and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism extracts and concentrates the clamping function into a single mechanical element that leverages rotational motion to generate high clamping force. This eliminates the need for multiple fasteners, bolts, and associated hardware, maintaining fastening strength while significantly reducing material usage and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam acts as an intermediary mechanical element that transforms small rotational movements into large linear clamping forces. This intermediary mechanism provides high mechanical advantage, enabling strong fastening with minimal material investment compared to traditional direct fastening systems that require substantial bolt and hardware material.
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 clamp assembly offers improved clamping efficiency and reduced material costs by providing a uniform force on cylindrical products, enhancing their stability against vibrations and motion, while simplifying the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
a cam engageable with the clamp to move the clamp along the third passage toward the first portion of the mount ring
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6A
Figure 4~6A
AI summary
The clamp assembly includes a mount ring with a first portion including a first passage extending along a first longitudinal axis, a second portion including extending along a second longitudinal axis spaced transversely apart from the first longitudinal passage, and third portion including a third passage extending along a transverse axis between the first and second longitudinal axes, and a clamp movably carried in the third passage of the third portion of the mount ring, and a cam engageable with the clamp to move the clamp toward the first portion of the mount ring. Also disclosed are related clamps and mounting rings.