Centering Clamp Finger Locking to Prevent Workpiece Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centering clamping devices face issues with precise coordination of movement sequences between the centering element and the finger element, leading to potential jamming with workpieces having protruding edges, such as metal sheets with centering holes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a blocking device that prevents relative movement between the centering element and the housing when the finger element is retracted and between the centering element and the actuator when the finger element is extended, ensuring that the finger element is only extended or retracted in coordination with the actuator's movement, thus avoiding collisions with the workpiece.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the finger element is extended during centering element movement, then clamping force is applied to the workpiece, but the finger element may jam with protruding edges of metal sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device prevents the finger element from being extended while the centering element is moving, ensuring the finger element remains retracted during the centering stroke. This preliminary prevention avoids jamming with protruding workpiece edges before clamping is intended to occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the actuator and the finger element, controlling when extension is permitted. It mediates the interaction by blocking extension during centering movement and allowing it only when the centering element is stationary, thus preventing harmful jamming while enabling necessary clamping.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the finger element is retracted to avoid jamming, then clamping force cannot be applied, but the centering element may move relative to the housing causing coordination issues
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device preliminarily prevents relative movement between the centering element and housing before finger element extension occurs. This ensures proper coordination is established before clamping action begins, maintaining stability while avoiding jamming.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking device dynamically adjusts the constraints on the centering element based on the position and state of the finger element. When the finger element is retracted, the blocking device allows controlled movement; when extended, it prevents relative movement, thus adapting the system's degrees of freedom to the operational phase.
3Productivity
If the actuator moves continuously, then operation speed is maintained, but the movement sequence between centering element and finger element becomes uncoordinated
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device provides mechanical feedback by engaging or disengaging based on the relative positions of the centering element and finger element. This feedback mechanism automatically coordinates the movement sequence, ensuring the finger element only extends when the centering element is stationary, thus maintaining precision without reducing overall operation speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking device automatically regulates the coordination between centering element and finger element movements without external control. It self-adjusts to permit or prevent extension based on the current system state, maintaining precise movement sequencing while allowing continuous actuator operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a centring clamping apparatus comprising a housing (1) in which a centring element (2) is mounted so as to be displaceable along a longitudinal axis between an open position and a clamping position, wherein a finger element (3) that is mounted so as to be displaceable transversely to the longitudinal axis between a retracted position and an extended position is provided on the centring element (2), wherein the finger element (3) is operatively connected to an adjusting member (4) that is mounted so as to be displaceable in the centring element (2). According to the invention, a blocking device (5) that either precludes a relative movement between the housing (1) and the centring element (2) with the finger element (3) fully retracted or precludes a relative movement between the centring element (2) and the adjusting member (4) with the finger element (3) fully extended is provided on the centring element (2).