Clamping Device With Buffer Block For Anodizing Workpieces

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In anodizing processes, workpieces are easily scraped during the deformation of elastic sheets used for clamping, leading to inefficiencies in positioning and holding the workpiece on a rack.

Innovation Solution

A clamping device with a mounting base, driving mechanism, and clamping mechanism that utilizes S-shaped elastic sheets with resisting portions and a system of guiding portions, nuts, and pulleys to precisely control the clamping and release of the workpiece, ensuring secure positioning without damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If elastic sheets are used to clamp the workpiece, then the workpiece can be positioned on the rack, but the workpiece is easily scraped during the deformation of the elastic sheet

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning reliabilityVSAvoidscraping damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A buffer block is introduced as an intermediary component between the elastic sheet and the workpiece. The buffer block absorbs the deformation energy and prevents direct contact between the elastic sheet and workpiece surface, thereby preventing scraping damage while maintaining positioning functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer block is pre-installed on the elastic sheet to provide cushioning protection before the clamping operation. This beforehand cushioning ensures that when the elastic sheet deforms during clamping, the workpiece is protected from scraping damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Strength

If the robot arm presses the elastic sheet to latch the workpiece, then the workpiece is securely held, but the workpiece is easily scraped during the deformation of the elastic sheet

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping strengthVSAvoidscraping damage
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer block serves as a mediator between the applied clamping force and the workpiece. It transmits the clamping strength while preventing the elastic sheet from directly contacting and scraping the workpiece surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer block is pre-positioned to provide cushioning during the clamping process, allowing the robot arm to apply sufficient pressure for secure holding while the buffer block absorbs the harmful deformation forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If elastic sheets are used for positioning, then the workpiece can be held on the rack, but the structure becomes simple and prone to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidpositioning reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping system is segmented into functional components: the elastic sheet for positioning, the buffer block for protection, and the mounting structure for support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer block is introduced as an intermediary component that enhances the reliability of the simple elastic sheet positioning system without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively secures the workpiece between S-shaped elastic sheets, preventing scraping and ensuring accurate positioning on the rack, enhancing the reliability of the anodizing process.

Implementation Method 1

a rack may include a pair of elastic sheets for positioning a workpiece. The robot arm presses the other elastic sheet until the workpiece is latched between the pair of elastic sheets.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8899649B2Clamping device
Publication Date: 2014.12.02 SHENZHENSHI YUZHAN PRECISION TECH CO LTD
  • US8899649B2 patent drawing
  • US8899649B2 patent drawing
  • US8899649B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A clamping device includes a driving mechanism and a pair of clamping mechanisms. Each clamping mechanism includes a clipping member, an installing plate, a positioning member, a resisting plate, and an elastic member. The clipping members are movably connected to the driving mechanism. A protrusion protrudes from the clipping member, and includes a first inclined surface. The installing plate defines an opening. The protrusion passes through the opening. The positioning member is inserted into the installing plate and fixed with the clipping member. The resisting plate is movably mounted on the installing plate. An abutting portion protrudes from the resisting plate, and passes through the opening. The abutting portion comprises a second inclined surface resisting the first inclined surface, the elastic member is sandwiched between the installing plate and the resisting plate, for providing a resetting force to the resisting plate.