Work Piece Clamping System with Ball Screw Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work piece holding devices lack rigidity, accuracy, and ease of use, particularly in machining, due to difficulties in determining exact work piece location, manual clamping, and hydraulic system complications that lead to cleanliness issues and complex decoupling processes.
Innovation Solution
A work piece holding system with a base, locator, and clamp configuration that includes power actuation, precise key markings for location, and protective covers for cleanliness, allowing for accurate three-axis location and easy clamping of various work piece sizes and shapes using a combination of wedge and slide down clamps with pneumatic or hydraulic power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing work piece holding devices use manual clamping, then operator control is maintained, but operator fatigue increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical clamping with an automated wedge clamp system actuated by a ball screw mechanism. The ball screw converts rotational motion from a motor into linear motion of the wedge clamp, providing automated clamping force application and release. This substitution eliminates manual operator intervention while maintaining precise control over the clamping force.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge clamp system incorporates self-adjusting features where the wedge geometry automatically translates vertical actuator motion into horizontal clamping force. The system self-regulates the clamping pressure through the mechanical advantage of the wedge shape, eliminating the need for manual force adjustment by the operator.
2Force
If hydraulic systems are used for power clamping, then clamping force is increased, but system complexity increases and cleanliness deteriorates due to hydraulic lines collecting chips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hydraulic power transmission with a mechanical ball screw actuation system. The ball screw mechanism directly converts motor rotation into linear clamping force without requiring hydraulic fluid lines. This eliminates the cleanliness problems associated with hydraulic lines collecting metal chips while maintaining the ability to generate high clamping forces through mechanical advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent alternatively employs a pneumatic cylinder to actuate the wedge clamp, using compressed air instead of hydraulic fluid. This pneumatic approach eliminates the cleanliness issues of hydraulic systems while still providing powered clamping capability. The pneumatic system requires no fluid lines that can collect chips, maintaining a cleaner machining environment.
3Measurement precision
If keyed connections are used for locator positioning, then positioning is achieved, but determining exact work piece location becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual markings on the keyed connection surfaces to indicate precise positioning references. These markings provide clear visual feedback to the operator about the exact location of the work piece relative to the machining center, making it easy to determine and verify positioning accuracy without complex measurement procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces precision ground keys with standardized dimensions and tolerances as intermediaries between the locator and the base. These keys serve as precise mechanical references that translate the positioning action into accurate, repeatable work piece locations. The standardized key geometry provides a reliable reference system that simplifies location determination.
4Manufacturing precision
If dedicated fixtures are used for specific work pieces, then clamping accuracy is improved, but adaptability to various work piece sizes and shapes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal fixture system with modular components including adjustable locators, reconfigurable wedge clamps, and standardized keyed connections. This universal base can accommodate various work piece sizes and shapes by adjusting the position and configuration of its components, eliminating the need for dedicated fixtures for each work piece type while maintaining clamping accuracy through precise positioning references.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the fixture system into independent, adjustable segments including separate locators, clamps, and positioning elements. Each segment can be independently positioned and adjusted to accommodate different work piece geometries. This segmentation allows the same base to function as multiple dedicated fixtures through reconfiguration of its modular 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 rigid, powerful, and accurate clamping with improved cleanliness and ease of operation, reducing operator fatigue and enabling efficient handling of multiple work pieces with precise location markings and adaptable clamping solutions.
Implementation Method 1
wedge clamp depends on vertical force and displacement to provide horizontal force and displacement to clamp the work piece
Data Source
AI summary
This patent pertains to a work piece clamping system with manual or powered clamping. Work piece locations of all three axis can be determined from the device. Various clamping devices can be included in the system. Single or multiple work pieces of various sizes and shapes can be clamped.