Clamp Guide Path via Segmented Rails and Resilient Supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for working with mechanical parts, particularly large and bulky tubes, face challenges in precise and controlled movement of tools due to the impracticality of rotating heavy parts and the inefficiency of existing flange systems in maintaining alignment and guiding tools effectively.
Innovation Solution
A flange system with two parts that can move relative to each other, featuring a locking device and rails with precision-machined end faces for positive locking, allowing independent positioning of rails separate from the flange parts, and mounted on resilient supports to absorb forces without deforming the guide path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the flange parts are rigidly connected to the rails, then the guide path is stable, but the flange parts must be precision manufactured which increases manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the flange parts from the rails by introducing resilient supports as an intermediate element. The rails are no longer rigidly connected to the flange parts but are instead supported resiliently, allowing the flange parts to be manufactured with larger tolerances while maintaining guide path stability through the positive locking mechanism at the closed position.
Solution Approach 2:
Resilient supports act as an intermediary between the flange parts and the rails. These supports absorb manufacturing tolerances and forces, allowing the flange parts to be made with larger tolerances while still maintaining a stable guide path when the flange is in the closed position.
2Ease of manufacture
If the flange parts are made with large tolerances to reduce manufacturing costs, then manufacturing is easier, but the guide path alignment and tool movement precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different quality requirements to different parts: the flange parts can have larger tolerances while the rails and their end faces require high precision. The positive locking connection between adjacent rails ensures that only the critical rail alignment surfaces need to be precision manufactured, not the entire flange assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide path is segmented into multiple rails that are independently supported. Each rail can be precision manufactured separately, and their relative positions are ensured through positive locking connections at the end faces, allowing the flange parts themselves to be made with larger tolerances.
3Manufacturing precision
If the rails are rigidly mounted to the flange parts, then the guide path is precise, but forces from tube displacement deform the guide path
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting characteristics of the rails are changed from rigid to resilient. The resilient supports allow the rails to maintain precise alignment under normal conditions while accommodating forces and deformations when the tube is displaced, preventing guide path deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient supports provide beforehand cushioning against forces that may arise during tube displacement. These supports are designed to absorb and dampen forces before they can deform the guide path, maintaining guide path integrity under stress conditions.
4Manufacturing precision
If the flange parts are precision manufactured to ensure guide path accuracy, then tool movement precision is maintained, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system concentrates precision requirements only where necessary: the end faces of the rails that form the positive locking connection and the guide surfaces on the rails. The flange parts themselves can be manufactured with larger tolerances, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining tool movement precision through the precisely manufactured rail 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
The system provides a robust and precise guide path for tools, maintaining integrity under stress conditions, reducing manufacturing costs by allowing larger tolerances in flange parts and ensuring consistent tool movement around bulky parts like tubes.
Implementation Method 1
mounted on resilient supports to absorb forces without deforming the guide path
Data Source
AI summary
Clamp for mechanical parts such as tubes or pipes, comprising a flange (5) with parts (13A, 13B, 13C) connected to one another so as to be pivotable as far as a closed position in which they are continuous. A locking device may be actuated when the flange is closed. The clamp further comprises supports (55; 57) by which rails (49) are connected to the parts with limited freedom of relative movement. The adjacent end faces of the rails have mating surfaces forming a connection by positive locking, which is active in the vicinity of the closed position. Each connection guides the end faces relative to one another into a working position in which the rails (49) form a guide path for tools, and helps to maintain this position when the clamping device is actuated.