Clamping Bracket Motion Control for Deformation-Safe Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems for machine tools face challenges in accurately clamping and releasing workpieces, particularly with lightweight materials, leading to potential deformation, machining errors, and damage due to inadequate clamping or release, and are susceptible to malfunctions in harsh environments with limited space and maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
A device with a fluid-operated cylinder and roto-translation means, combined with probe elements and contact sensors, ensures precise clamping and release of workpieces by controlling the motion of a clamping bracket through hydraulic or pneumatic means, preventing improper placement or release and maintaining high reliability and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If high clamping forces are exerted on lightweight workpieces, then machining stability is improved, but workpiece deformation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by positioning probe elements at specific locations on the bracket that contact predetermined points on the workpiece before the main clamping force is applied. This ensures proper positioning and prevents deformation even when high clamping forces are exerted on lightweight materials like aluminum.
2Volume of moving object
If fastening systems are made compact for small machine tool spaces, then space utilization is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single compact bracket structure. The bracket integrates roto-translation means, probe elements, and clamping functionality into one unified component, reducing overall system volume while managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides clamping force, positioning through probe elements, and rotational movement capability. This universality reduces the number of separate components needed, achieving compactness without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Reliability
If closure control valves with probes are used to detect clamping configuration, then machining safety is improved, but release detection capability remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using probe elements that provide positional information to the control unit about both clamping and release configurations. The control unit receives signals from these probes to determine when the bracket is fully released, enabling accurate detection of release completion and preventing premature robot operations.
4Productivity
If fastening systems operate in harsh environments with condensation and dirt, then machine tool productivity is maintained, but system reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical closure control valves with a control system that uses probe elements and electronic sensors. This substitution makes the system less susceptible to harsh environmental conditions like condensation, dirt, and rust, maintaining reliability while ensuring continuous productivity in demanding automotive manufacturing environments.
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 device ensures accurate clamping and release of workpieces, preventing machining errors and damage, while being compact and easy to integrate into conventional machine tools, enhancing operational reliability and safety by providing real-time control and protection from environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid-operated cylinder (3, 4, 5) containing a fluid under pressure... the stem (8, 9, 10) is partly inserted into the fluid-operated cylinder (3, 4, 5) so as to be movable along the axis A of rotation by thrust of the hydraulic fluid under pressure
Data Source
AI summary
The device (1) for clamping workpieces on machine tools comprises:a basic body (2) provided with a fluid-operated cylinder (3, 4, 5) containing a fluid under pressure;a stem (8, 9, 10) comprising an intermediate portion (8), a first end portion (9) and a second end portion (10);a clamping bracket (19, 20) associated with the first end portion (9) and movable at least between:a home position; anda work position;a first control assembly (25) for controlling the attainment of the work position;a second control assembly (36) for controlling the attainment of the home position.