Clamp Device Arcuate Arm Scraper Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp apparatuses face challenges in narrowing their widthwise dimension due to the need for a connecting shaft to project outward, limiting installation locations and allowing debris to penetrate into the casing, which affects the toggle link mechanism's operation.
Innovation Solution
The clamp apparatus features a clamp arm with an arcuate portion that swings to clamp and release workpieces, incorporating scrapers to clean and seal the arcuate surface, preventing debris from entering the casing, and allowing the casing to be narrower without an exposed connecting shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the connecting shaft projects from the side wall of the casing, then the clamp arm can be connected to the toggle link mechanism, but the widthwise dimension of the casing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp arm is configured to project from the opening in the casing end wall rather than having the connecting shaft project from the side wall. This dimensional repositioning allows the clamp arm to swing in and out of the casing along the opening, reducing the widthwise dimension while maintaining the connection function between the clamp arm and toggle link mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the opening extends over a long distance to allow clamp arm movement, then the clamp arm can swing freely, but debris can easily enter and penetrate into the casing
Solution Approach 1:
A scraper is positioned to engage with the clamp arm at the opening, creating a sealing interface that prevents debris from penetrating into the casing while allowing the clamp arm to swing freely through the opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The scraper acts as an intermediary element between the external environment and the internal toggle link mechanism. It contacts the clamp arm to remove or block debris, protecting the internal mechanism while permitting the clamp arm's swinging motion.
3Length of moving object
If the connecting shaft extends along the width direction of the casing, then the clamp arm can be connected externally, but the casing cannot be made narrower
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is repositioned from the side wall to the end wall opening. The clamp arm swings in and out of the casing through this opening, eliminating the need for the connecting shaft to extend along the width direction, thereby enabling the casing to be made narrower for installation in tight spaces.
Data Source
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AI summary
Clamp devices (10a-10c) configured in such a manner that dust does not enter the insides of casings (32). The clamp devices (10a-10c) are each provided with the casing (32), and a clamp-side end section (36) of a clamp arm (34) is exposed from the opening (33) of the casing (32). The clamp arm (34) is provided with: a first circular arc section (94) which is exposed from the casing (32) when a workpiece is clamped by the clamp arm and is contained within the casing (32) when the workpiece is not clamped by the clamp arm; and a second circular arc section (96) which is exposed from the casing (32) when the workpiece is not clamped by the clamp arm and is contained within the casing (32) when the workpiece is clamped by the clamp arm. A first scraper (98) and a second scraper (100) are in sliding contact with the first circular arc section (94) and the second circular arc section (96), respectively. The clamp device can be also provided with a side surface cleaning scraper for making sliding contact with a side surface of the first circular section (94).