Clamping Beam Wedge Mechanism Centralized Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamping systems using pressurized air or hydraulic fluid for bending machines are costly and require additional equipment, limiting their availability and efficiency, especially for smaller devices, and are not suitable for clamping tools beyond a certain width without requiring multiple clamps.
Innovation Solution
A clamping system utilizing shape-imposed displacement means, such as wedge-shaped elements or a camshaft, with central control mechanisms to operate pusher elements, allowing for simultaneous clamping of multiple tools without the need for external pressurization, enabling wider clamping capabilities and reduced operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If pressurized air or hydraulic fluid is used to clamp tools simultaneously, then central control capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring compressors or hydraulic systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex pressurized air or hydraulic fluid systems from the clamping mechanism. Instead of using external compressors or hydraulic pumps, the invention uses simple spring-loaded pusher elements that can be simultaneously actuated by a central control lever, achieving centralized control without the associated complexity and cost of pneumatic or hydraulic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded pusher elements are self-actuating mechanisms that automatically generate clamping force through spring compression. When the central control lever is activated, it compresses the springs which then automatically push the tools against the clamping walls, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex control systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate clamps are used to clamp tools beyond 150-200 mm width, then clamping capability is improved, but operation complexity and time increase due to requiring multiple separate tightening operations
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping system is segmented into multiple independent pusher elements arranged along the elongated groove, each capable of independently clamping tool sections. This segmentation allows the system to handle tools of varying widths by activating only the necessary number of pusher elements, maintaining operational simplicity while increasing adaptability to different tool sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated groove and multiple pusher elements create a universal clamping system that can accommodate tools of various widths and configurations. The same basic clamping mechanism serves multiple functions by selectively engaging different numbers and positions of pusher elements, eliminating the need for different clamping devices for different tool sizes.
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 efficient and centralized control for clamping tools of varying sizes, eliminating the need for separate clamps and reducing equipment costs by generating high clamping forces with low operational force requirements, suitable for tools up to 150-200 mm and beyond with enhanced reliability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
With wedge shaped elements it is possible to generate a high force onto the at least one pusher element, while the force necessary to shift the wedge shaped elements along each other can be kept low.
Implementation Method 2
an axle rotatably arranged in the housing by a thread and extending in the direction of the wedge shaped elements
Implementation Method 3
the at least one pusher element comprises a pin extendable into the groove and a first spring arranged between the pin and the shape imposed displacement means
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a clamping system for clamping a number of tools wherein said system comprises:a body;an elongated groove arranged in the body for reception of a clamping part of at least one tool;at least one pusher element extendable into the groove for pushing the clamping part of a tool against a wall of the groove;whereinshape imposed displacement means for displacing the at least one pusher element from a first position substantially freeing the groove, enabling insertion of the clamping part of a tool into the groove, towards a second position, in which the at least one pusher element extends into the groove.