Clamping Arm Shutter Structure to Block Welding Spatter Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices fail to effectively prevent foreign matter, such as spatters, from entering the body during welding operations due to the design of the clamp arm and locating section, which allows contaminants to access the internal components.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a pivotable clamp arm and a movable cover member within the locating section, where the cover member integrates with the clamp arm's motion to ensure the slit hole is fully covered, except for the area occupied by the claw portion, thereby preventing foreign matter from entering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the clamp arm is designed to pivot inside the locating section with a slit hole for the claw portion to protrude, then the clamping function is enabled, but foreign matter can enter the body through the slit hole
Solution Approach 1:
The cover member is designed to move dynamically with the clamp arm, covering the slit hole when the clamp arm is retracted and allowing the claw portion to protrude when the clamp arm is actuated. This dynamic configuration maintains both the clamping function and protection against foreign matter entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover member acts as an intermediary between the slit hole and the external environment. It selectively allows the clamp arm to pass through while blocking foreign matter, thus enabling the clamping function while preventing contamination.
2Ease of operation
If the clamp arm protrudes through the slit hole to clamp the workpiece, then clamping is achieved, but the opening portion of the slit hole is exposed to foreign matter
Solution Approach 1:
The cover member moves in coordination with the clamp arm's motion. When the clamp arm protrudes to clamp the workpiece, the cover member adjusts to allow this motion while still covering the opening portion of the slit hole, thus maintaining both clamping capability and protection against foreign matter.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover member provides localized protection by covering only the opening portion of the slit hole while allowing the clamp arm to protrude where needed. This local quality approach ensures protection in critical areas while maintaining functionality where required.
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 reliably prevents foreign matter from entering the clamping device's internal components during welding operations by ensuring the cover member covers the slit hole except for the area occupied by the claw portion, maintaining a secure clamping state and protecting internal components from contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
a linear motion of the displacement body outputted by the drive section is converted into a pivotal motion of the clamp arm
Implementation Method 2
a displacement body movable in an axial direction under an action of supplying pressurized fluid
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A clamping device (10) has a clamp arm (20) pivotably housed inside a body (16), and a locating section (54) for positioning workpieces (W1, W2) is provided on an upper portion of the body (16). The locating section (54) is formed with a slit hole (60) which enables a claw portion (76) of the clamp arm (20) to protrude outside, and is provided inside with a shutter (66) facing the slit hole (60) and being movable. The claw portion (76) of the clamp arm (20) is inserted through a clamp hole (72) of the shutter (66). Then, when the clamp arm (20) moves inside the body (16) in the axial direction and rotates, the shutter (66) moves integrally with the clamp arm (20) in the axial direction to cover the slit hole (60). Thus, the opening portion of the slit hole (60) is suitably covered except that portion occupied by the claw portion (76), so that foreign matter and the like can be prevented from entering the locating section (54) through the slit hole (60).