Clamp Device Pneumatic Force Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamp devices experience a reduction in clamping force due to residual support force from spring or pneumatic mechanisms, necessitating larger drive means and reduced compactness.
Innovation Solution
A clamp device with a support mechanism using pneumatic force to expand the engagement assembly's diameter and a pneumatic force release means to eliminate part of this force after expansion, preventing pneumatic force from acting on the support mechanism, thus maintaining clamping force and compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring type support mechanism or pneumatic support mechanism is used to support the engagement assembly, then the engagement assembly can be reliably expanded in diameter, but the support force reduces the clamping force generated by the clamp drive means, necessitating a larger drive means
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism provides preliminary support force during the expansion phase to ensure reliable diameter increase of the engagement assembly. After expansion is complete, the support force is eliminated so that the full clamping force can be applied without being counteracted by residual support force.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism transitions from an active state (providing support force during expansion) to an inactive state (support force eliminated after expansion). This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt the support force according to the operational phase, ensuring reliable expansion while maintaining full clamping force.
2Reliability
If a spring type support mechanism is used, then the engagement assembly is supported during expansion, but the compression spring member continues to generate support force during clamping, reducing the effective clamping force
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism provides preliminary support during the expansion phase, then eliminates the support force before clamping begins. This timing control prevents the need to compensate for continuous support force, allowing for a more compact drive means.
3Reliability
If pneumatic pressure is used to maintain support force, then the engagement assembly remains supported, but the pneumatic force continues to act on the support mechanism during clamping, reducing clamping force
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic support mechanism operates periodically: pressurized air is supplied during the expansion phase to provide support force, then the air supply is stopped and the air chamber is vented after expansion is complete. This periodic operation ensures reliable support during expansion while eliminating support force during clamping to maintain full clamping force.
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 solution allows for reliable clamping with maintained force and reduced drive means size, preventing pneumatic force from affecting the support mechanism, enhancing the clamp device's compactness and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pneumatic support mechanism that supports the engagement assembly with pneumatic pressure
Implementation Method 2
a compression spring member that supports the annular support member upwards with elastic force
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp device includes a clamp main body, an engagement assembly, a clamp rod, a drive mechanism, and a support mechanism. The engagement assembly can be changed over between a diameter-expanded state in which it engages with an inner circumferential surface of an aperture in a workpiece, and a diameter-reduced state in which it does not so engage. The clamp rod is engaged with an interior of the engagement assembly. The drive mechanism drives the clamp rod to and from the clamp main body. The support mechanism supports the engagement assembly with a pneumatic force of pressurized air. At least a part of the pneumatic force is released after the engagement assembly has been expanded in diameter.