Clamp Device External Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp apparatuses require complex and cumbersome procedures for adjusting the operating angle of the clamp arm, often necessitating disassembly and limited adjustable ranges, with concerns about maintaining set angles and confirming the operating angle during adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A clamp apparatus with an external adjustment mechanism that allows for easy adjustment of the piston's stroke displacement amount, coupled with a detection mechanism to confirm clamped and unclamped states, enabling precise and reliable adjustment of the clamp arm's operating angle without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sub-rod and tubular member are screw-rotated or engaged by an engagement ring onto the piston rod to adjust the operating angle, then the operating angle can be adjusted, but the clamp apparatus must be dismantled first making the adjustment operation extremely complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is extracted from the internal structure and exposed on the exterior of the cylinder. The piston rod extends through the cylinder with its end portion accessible from outside, allowing the sub-rod to be screw-rotated onto the piston rod without dismantling the clamp apparatus. This extraction principle enables easy adjustment of the operating angle while maintaining the internal toggle link mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The sub-rod acts as an intermediary component between the piston rod and the toggle link mechanism. By screw-rotating the sub-rod onto the piston rod, the length of the piston rod and sub-rod assembly can be adjusted, which in turn adjusts the operating angle of the clamp arm. This intermediary component facilitates easy adjustment without requiring disassembly of the main apparatus.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the sub-rod is threaded with engagement grooves and an engaging ring is used to regulate displacement, then the piston rod and sub-rod can be integrally fixed, but the adjustable range for the operating angle is limited to positions of the grooves
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism transitions from a static fixed-position system to a dynamic adjustable system. The engaging ring can be positioned at different locations along the piston rod by rotating it, allowing the operating angle to be adjusted to various positions rather than being limited to predetermined groove locations. This dynamic adjustment capability provides both stability when fixed and versatility when adjusting.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston rod is segmented with multiple engagement grooves at different positions along its length. The engaging ring can engage with different grooves to provide discrete adjustment positions. This segmentation allows for both reliable fixing at each position and multiple adjustable positions for different operating angles.
3Ease of operation
If the rod screw is exposed on the outer body portion for external adjustment, then the overall length can be adjusted from outside, but there remains a concern that the rod screw may be rotated in error altering the set angle
Solution Approach 1:
A detection mechanism provides feedback to confirm the operating angle of the clamp arm. This feedback system allows the operator to verify the set angle during adjustment and ensures that the adjusted angle is maintained correctly. The detection mechanism monitors the position and provides information to prevent erroneous rotation or to correct any deviations from the desired angle.
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 easy and effective adjustment of the clamp arm's operating angle while ensuring accurate confirmation of clamped and unclamped states, reducing operational complexity and maintaining the adjusted angle reliably.
Implementation Method 1
a clamp arm, which is rotated a predetermined angle, under a driving action of the cylinder, through a toggle link mechanism disposed inside of the main body
Implementation Method 2
a sub-rod is threadedly engaged with a piston rod connected to a piston, wherein a toggle link mechanism is connected with respect to the sub-rod. In addition, by threaded rotation of the sub-rod with respect to the piston rod, the length of the piston rod and sub-rod is made freely adjustable
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp device including a detection mechanism provided to detect whether the clamp device is in a clamped state or an unclamped state. The detection mechanism includes a tilt plate tiltably placed inside a switch holder installed on a body and a sliding rod displaced together with a piston rod and displaced in the direction normal to the tilt plate. When the sliding rod presses and tilts the tilt plate while a piston is displaced, a second detection switch detects that the clamp device is in the unclamped state.