Cam-Actuated Clamp Assembly for Vibration-Stable Cylindrical Mounting
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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 costly 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 allows the clamp to move between unclamped and clamped positions, providing a uniform force distribution and accommodating manufacturing variations through reliefs and countersinks, along with a conical washer and socket head cap fastener for efficient engagement.
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 cost 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 standardized production of individual parts while maintaining the overall custom-fit capability, reducing total manufacturing time while preserving clamping stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp and cam mechanism are pre-configured with integrated mounting features and adjustment capabilities during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site custom fitting, as the components are ready for immediate installation while maintaining the ability to achieve precise fits when needed.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise machining is used to achieve custom fit, then the clamping accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design incorporates adjustable parameters through the cam mechanism and clamp geometry that allow for achieving precise clamping without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on all components. By allowing adjustment during assembly, the system achieves high clamping accuracy while reducing the overall machining complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism serves as an intermediary that translates rotational motion into precise linear clamping motion. This intermediary mechanism provides fine adjustment capability and force multiplication, enabling accurate clamping positions to be achieved through simple cam profile geometry rather than complex direct-drive machining.
3Force
If traditional fastening systems are used, then the clamping force is sufficient, but the system cannot withstand vibrations and impulse shocks effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism provides dynamic clamping capability where the clamp can maintain optimal contact force with the cylindrical product during vibrations and motion. The cam profile is designed to accommodate relative motion while maintaining clamping force, allowing the system to adapt dynamically to vibrational conditions rather than relying on static pre-load alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp and cam mechanism are designed with features that preemptively counteract vibration and shock effects. The geometry includes elements that maintain positive contact and prevent loosening under reverse loads and vibrations, effectively applying counter-forces before harmful loosening can occur during operation.
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 reduces manufacturing complexity and cost by enabling secure clamping of cylindrical products with uniform force distribution, effectively withstanding vibrations and motion, while maintaining stability and preventing unwanted loosening.
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
Implementation Method 2
a conical washer including a central aperture, a conical profile including a diameter that is greater than a distance between the mount ring countersink and the cam countersink when the clamp is in the unclamped position
Data Source
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.