Clamp Device Fluid Pressure Support Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp devices face limitations in maximizing clamping force due to support mechanisms that either rely on insufficient compression springs or hydraulic pressure, which either reduce the clamping force or prevent it from reaching its full potential.
Innovation Solution
A clamp device that utilizes a support mechanism supported by fluid pressure during radial expansion of the gripping member, with a fluid pressure release mechanism to enhance clamping force by releasing all or part of the fluid pressure after expansion, allowing for increased reliability and maximum clamping force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compression spring is used to support the gripping member, then the gripping member is supported during unclamping, but the clamping force is reduced by the support force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical compression spring support mechanism with a pneumatic or hydraulic support mechanism. Fluid pressure is supplied to a support chamber during the unclamped state to support the gripping member, preventing it from slipping downward. During clamping, the fluid pressure is released, allowing the gripping member to be pulled against the workpiece with maximum clamping force without being counteracted by continuous support force.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism transitions from a static continuous support force (compression spring) to a dynamic controllable support force (fluid pressure that can be supplied and released). The fluid pressure is supplied only when needed (during unclamped state and initial expansion) and released when maximum clamping force is required, making the support force adaptable to different operational phases.
2Reliability
If hydraulic pressure is used to support the gripping member, then reliable support is provided, but the clamping force is diminished by the support force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the hydraulic system into separate functional chambers: a support chamber for providing support force and a clamping chamber for providing clamping force. This segmentation allows independent control of support and clamping functions, enabling the support chamber pressure to be released while maintaining clamping chamber pressure, thus achieving maximum clamping force without continuous support force interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic support mechanism uses dynamically controllable fluid pressure that can be supplied during unclamping and expansion, then released during clamping. This dynamic control allows the system to provide reliable support when needed while eliminating support force interference when maximum clamping force is required.
3Reliability
If fluid pressure is maintained during clamping, then the gripping member remains supported, but maximum clamping force cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid pressure is supplied in advance during the unclamped state and initial expansion phase to support the gripping member and ensure stable engagement with the workpiece aperture. Once the gripping member is properly positioned and engaged, the fluid pressure is released, allowing the clamping mechanism to achieve maximum clamping force without the counteracting support force.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid pressure application follows a periodic pattern: supplied during unclamping and expansion phases, then released during the clamping phase. This periodic action ensures the gripping member is supported and stable during critical transition phases while allowing maximum clamping force during the machining phase.
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 clamp device achieves enhanced reliability and maximum clamping force by supporting the gripping member with fluid pressure during expansion and releasing it post-expansion, thereby strengthening the clamping force and ensuring effective workpiece fixation.
Implementation Method 1
a support mechanism that supports said gripping member by fluid pressure during radial expansion of said gripping member
Implementation Method 2
by inserting into an aperture in the workpiece a gripping member that grips the inner circumferential surface of the aperture in the workpiece and a clamp rod that has a tapered shaft portion inserted into this gripping member, and by pulling the clamp rod towards the seating surface by the force of hydraulic pressure or of a compression spring of a clamp drive means, the gripping member is expanded radially by the tapered shaft portion
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp device has a gripping member which is expandable and contractible and is inserted into an aperture in a workpiece and grips the aperture, a clamp rod including a tapered shaft portion that fits into the gripping member, and a drive means for driving the clamp rod forwards and backwards. Provided is a support mechanism that supports the gripping member by fluid pressure when the gripping member is radially expanded, and a fluid pressure release means that releases the fluid pressure of the support mechanism after radial expansion of the gripping member when the clamp rod is driven by the drive means to perform clamping. The support mechanism has an annular pressure reception member that supports the gripping member, and a supporting fluid chamber that causes fluid pressure in the direction opposite to the clamping direction to be received on the annular pressure reception member.