Clamp Device Using Inclined Surface for Force Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamp devices for workpieces lack the ability to reliably detect whether a predetermined clamping force is generated, making it difficult to ensure proper clamping and unclamping states.
Innovation Solution
A clamp device with a detection unit using proximity sensors and an inclined surface mechanism to determine the clamping state and force generation, allowing for easy and reliable detection of clamping force through changes in sensor output signals, along with a user-operable threshold setting mechanism for customizable settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional proximity sensors are used to detect clamp state, then the detection structure is simple, but the ability to reliably determine clamping force generation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the detection approach by adding a dimensional element - the inclined surface converts linear displacement into a measurable distance change relative to the proximity sensor. This allows the system to detect clamping force generation through geometric transformation rather than requiring complex force sensors, thereby improving reliability while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined surface acts as an intermediary element between the linearly movable object and the proximity sensor. It mediates the conversion of linear motion into a detectable distance change, enabling reliable clamping force detection without directly measuring force, thus resolving the contradiction between detection reliability and structural complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple threshold values are set for different states, then the detection precision is improved, but the device operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service calibration where the user can set threshold values through simple operations without requiring complex programming or external tools. The determination unit automatically processes the set thresholds to distinguish between clamped and unclamped states, improving measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive user interaction.
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 reliable determination of clamping force generation and unclamping states, preventing damage by monitoring rotational speed and providing visual confirmation through lamps, while being stable in welding environments due to inductive sensors and integrated design.
Implementation Method 1
a first proximity sensor configured to detect a position of the object to be detected
Implementation Method 2
a second proximity sensor disposed apart from the first proximity sensor along the predetermined direction
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp device is equipped with a clamp body, a piston rod, a link mechanism, a detection mechanism for detecting a state of rotary motion of a clamp arm, and a determination unit for determining whether a state of clamping exists. The detection mechanism includes a first proximity sensor, and a knuckle joint having a first sloped surface. The determination unit, on the basis of a comparison of an output signal from the first proximity sensor to a clamp threshold value, determines whether a state of clamping exists, and on the basis of a comparison to a clamping force generation threshold value, determines whether a state of generation of clamping force exists.