Clamp Arm Position Sensing with Single Proximity Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamp devices for automated assembly lines face challenges in accurately detecting the rotational position of a clamp arm due to machining and assembly inaccuracies, require multiple parts, and are complex to adjust for changing rotational angles.
Innovation Solution
A clamp device using a single proximity sensor to detect the rotational position of a rotatable clamp arm through an eddy current mechanism, with a detection target featuring a long groove that changes the sensor-facing area with rotation, allowing direct and accurate detection and easy adjustment of the rotational angle range without altering the detection target or sensor position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two inductive proximity sensors are used to detect the rotational position of the clamp arm, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection target is divided into multiple segments with different areas, allowing a single sensor to detect different rotational positions by measuring changes in the area of the sensor-facing surface. This segmentation approach replaces the need for multiple sensors while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
A detection target with varying sensor-facing area serves as an intermediary between the sensor and the rotational position. This intermediary converts rotational position information into area variation information that can be measured by a single sensor, eliminating the need for multiple sensors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the holding member shape is changed to adapt to rotational angle range changes, then the adaptability is improved, but the complexity of changing parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection target is designed with a dynamic area configuration where the sensor-facing area naturally varies with rotational position. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt to different rotational angle ranges without requiring physical changes to the detection target or sensor positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adapts to different rotational angle ranges by changing the detection parameters (area variations at different positions) rather than changing physical parts. The detection target's area parameter varies continuously with rotation, providing adaptability without mechanical modification.
3Adaptability or versatility
If limit switch positions are changed to match attachment holes, then the adaptability to rotational angle range is improved, but the complexity of adjustment work increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection target automatically provides the necessary area variations for different rotational positions through its own geometry. The system is self-adjusting in the sense that the area variations are inherently built into the detection target's design, eliminating the need for manual adjustment of sensor positions or attachment of different components.
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
This solution reduces the number of parts, enhances detection accuracy, and simplifies the adjustment of the rotational angle range, improving the clamp device's operational efficiency and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
one proximity sensor disposed so as to face the detection target and configured to generate an eddy current in the detection target and detect magnetic loss
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping apparatus is provided with: a metallic detector that is provided to a pivot shaft pivotally moving integrally with a clamp arm under the operation of a driving unit, in such a manner as to extend along the pivot shaft so as to be around the axis thereof; and one proximity sensor that is arranged so as to be opposed to the detector and that detects the magnetic loss of the detector. The detector is formed so that the area of a sensor opposing part opposed to a detection surface of the proximity sensor changes in association with the pivotal moving of the pivot shaft.