Cam Fastening Device for Sensor Immobilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices for cylindrical sensors require significant clear space for axial immobilization, making them difficult to actuate in confined or hard-to-reach environments, such as machine tools or automated production lines.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a flange and cam mechanism that allows for radial expansion and clamping, enabling quick and reliable immobilization of sensors using a small radial drive, such as a screwdriver, and featuring a clamping piece that moves between release and clamping positions, allowing for rapid sensor positioning and protection of the distal end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If axial immobilization means requiring clear free space (such as a spanner) are used, then the sensor can be reliably immobilized, but the device becomes difficult to actuate in confined or hard-to-reach environments
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from axial actuation (requiring radial space) to radial actuation (requiring minimal axial space). The cam mechanism is actuated radially via a front end face perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, allowing operation in confined axial spaces while maintaining reliable sensor immobilization through the cam's mechanical advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam acts as an intermediary mechanism that converts a small radial driving motion into a large axial clamping force. This intermediary allows the operator to apply minimal force in a compact radial direction while achieving reliable sensor immobilization through the amplified clamping action on the clamping piece.
2Ease of operation
If a cam mechanism with radial expansion is used, then the device can be actuated in tight spaces with minimal radial footprint, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam is integrated directly into the flange structure, merging two components into one. The cam rotates on the flange around an offset axis, combining the flange's radial expansion function with the cam's motion amplification function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining compact actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables radial expansion for cam mounting, and acts as the rotating base for the cam mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying the overall device structure while enabling compact actuation.
3Productivity
If the clamping piece is urged by the cam to move between clamping and release positions, then rapid sensor positioning is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cam's offset rotation changes the geometric parameters of the clamping piece's position dynamically. As the cam rotates, the radial distance between the clamping piece and the longitudinal axis varies, enabling rapid transition between clamping and release positions through simple rotational motion rather than precise linear positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping piece transitions from a static positioning system to a dynamic one driven by cam rotation. The cam's rotating motion dynamically adjusts the clamping force and position, allowing rapid sensor immobilization and release without requiring high manufacturing precision for the clamping piece itself, as the positioning is achieved through the cam's geometric motion.
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
Enables quick, reliable, and intuitive immobilization of sensors in tight spaces, ensuring precise positioning and protection of the sensor's distal end, even in environments with limited radial space, while maintaining ease of use and reducing the risk of sensor degradation.
Implementation Method 1
a cam rotatably mounted on the flange around a second longitudinal axis parallel to the first longitudinal axis and offset radially to the deviation from the first longitudinal axis
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a fastening device (1) for holding a sensor, comprising a clamping piece (9) which is acted on by a cam (7) in order to be movable between a release position and a clamping position.