One-Piece Centering Cone for Thermal-Tolerant Clamping Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices in tooling machines face challenges due to temperature fluctuations causing base plate expansion or contraction, which affects the positioning precision of fastening elements, and the manufacturing complexity and cost of separately formed centering cones and spring elements.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece centering cone with a conical internal surface and a radially connected spring section provides both centering and spring functions, allowing for radial movement to compensate for thermal variations, thus eliminating the need for separate components and simplifying manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate centering cone and spring element are used, then the centering function and spring function are provided, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the centering cone and spring element into a single integrated component. The centering cone is formed as one piece with the spring element, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps. This merging resolves the technical contradiction by maintaining both centering and spring functions while significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated centering cone serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides centering guidance for the fastening element, acts as a spring element for radial movement compensation, and maintains positioning precision. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by consolidating multiple functions into one component, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If separate centering cone and spring element are used, then the centering function and spring function are provided, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the centering cone and spring element into a single integrated component. The centering cone is formed as one piece with the spring element, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps. This merging resolves the technical contradiction by maintaining both centering and spring functions while significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Manufacturing precision
If base plate is rigidly fixed, then positioning precision is maintained, but thermal expansion causes spacing changes between fastening elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces radial movement capability through the spring element, allowing the centering cone to dynamically adjust its position in response to thermal expansion. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by enabling the base plate to maintain positioning precision while accommodating thermal changes through controlled radial movement of the fastening elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element enables parameter changes in the radial position of the centering cone, allowing adaptation to thermal expansion. The spring constant and radial movement range are designed to compensate for thermal effects while maintaining positioning precision, resolving the contradiction between rigid positioning and thermal adaptability.
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 one-piece design enhances manufacturing efficiency and reduces costs while maintaining precise positioning of fastening elements, accommodating thermal expansion with a flexible spring section that maintains stability and accuracy within hundredths of millimeters.
Implementation Method 1
The exterior side of the centering cone comprises a spring section formed in one piece with the cone section, which connects in a radial direction to the outside of the cone section in order to apply radially inward, resetting spring force to the cone section
Data Source
AI summary
A centering cone for positioning a fastening element in a receptacle of a clamping device. The centering cone has an internally located cone section with a cone-shaped inner surface to which a one-piece spring section is connected in a radial direction. The spring section is configured to deform slightly under a radially applied force to provide a certain tolerance for receiving the fastening element.