Clamp Apparatus With Manual Release And Adjustable Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp apparatuses for automated assembly lines face issues where workpieces become locked due to drive unit failures, and require multiple apparatuses with different clamp arm lengths for varying workpiece shapes, leading to increased equipment costs and difficulties in releasing clamped workpieces.
Innovation Solution
A clamp apparatus with a detachable support body and adjustable clamp arm mechanism that allows for easy release of clamped workpieces and accommodates various workpiece sizes using a single unit, featuring a driving force transmission mechanism and a clamp release mechanism that enables manual release and interchangeable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clamp apparatus is used to grip workpieces, then the workpiece can be securely clamped, but if the drive unit stops, the workpiece becomes locked and cannot be removed
Solution Approach 1:
A release lever is introduced as an intermediary component between the operator and the clamp arm. The release lever, when manually operated, transmits force through the link mechanism to rotate the clamp arm and release the workpiece, serving as a mediator to overcome the locked state without requiring drive unit operation
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp apparatus provides self-service release capability through the release lever mechanism. The system includes its own built-in release mechanism that allows operators to manually reset the clamp arm to the open position without external assistance or complex procedures, enabling the apparatus to serve itself in releasing locked workpieces
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple clamp apparatus with different clamp arm lengths are prepared for different workpiece shapes, then various workpieces can be clamped appropriately, but equipment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp arm is designed with universal adaptability through adjustable support bodies that can be positioned at different locations along the clamp arm. This multi-functional design allows a single clamp apparatus to accommodate various workpiece shapes and sizes by changing the support body configuration rather than requiring multiple specialized clamp arms
Solution Approach 2:
The support bodies are made movable and repositionable along the clamp arm, allowing dynamic adjustment of the clamping configuration. This dynamic adaptability enables the same clamp arm to serve multiple functions for different workpiece geometries, replacing the need for multiple fixed-length clamp arms
3Device complexity
If a single clamp apparatus is used for various workpiece sizes, then equipment costs are reduced, but the apparatus must be highly adaptable to different shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp apparatus is segmented into modular components including the clamp arm, multiple interchangeable support bodies, and a link mechanism. This segmentation allows flexible reconfiguration of the support bodies to match different workpiece shapes while using a single clamp arm, achieving versatility without requiring multiple complete apparatus
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 efficient handling and clamping of workpieces of different sizes with a single apparatus, reduces equipment costs, and allows for manual release of clamped workpieces even if the drive unit stops, enhancing operational flexibility and reducing maintenance complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a driving force transmission mechanism disposed in an interior of the body and including a joint to which the drive unit is connected, the driving force transmission mechanism converting linear displacement of the drive unit along the axial direction into rotational displacement, and transmitting a driving force of the drive unit to the clamp arm
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp apparatus includes a support body that projects in a sideways direction of a body, together with a clamp arm, which is disposed rotatably in facing relation to the support body. On the support body, a support member, which extends in a horizontal direction, is disposed detachably with respect to a coupling hole of the body, whereas a connecting body, which interconnects a pair of arm members, is disposed detachably on an end of the clamp arm. A clamp release mechanism, which releases a clamped state when the clamp arm is locked, is disposed in the body, and is configured to press a joint of a driving force transmission mechanism that is accommodated in the body toward the side of a drive unit.