Clamping Chuck Centering for Thermal-Stable Workpiece Carriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices are inadequate for precisely clamping large workpiece carriers due to thermal expansion differences between the machine table and workpiece carrier, leading to overdetermination and limited holding force, especially when dealing with large or round workpieces.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with an elongated, slot-shaped receiving opening and a spring-elastically flexible centering element that allows for alignment and high holding forces, eliminating the need for separate centering elements and enabling compensation for thermal changes in workpiece carrier length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple chucks with centering elements are used to clamp large workpiece carriers, then positioning precision is improved, but overdetermination occurs in the X-Y plane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes centering elements from two of the four chucks, extracting the centering function from the overall system. This leaves only one chuck with centering elements to define the X-Y position, while the other two chucks without centering elements provide clamping force without causing overdetermination. The receiving openings in these chucks are designed with sufficient tolerance to accommodate the clamping elements without requiring precise centering.
Solution Approach 2:
The chucks without centering elements serve a dual function: they provide clamping force through their receiving openings while simultaneously avoiding overdetermination by lacking centering features. This multi-functionality allows the same chuck design to adapt to different roles within the clamping system based on its position and requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If round clamping spigots with central receptacles are used, then centering is achieved, but very high holding forces cannot be generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the central receptacle feature from most chucks, extracting the centering function to only one chuck. This allows the majority of chucks to focus on providing clamping force through their receiving openings, while the single chuck with centering elements handles the positioning task. The separation of centering and clamping functions resolves the contradiction between centering accuracy and holding force capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping system is segmented into two functional groups: one chuck dedicated to centering with centering elements, and three chucks dedicated to clamping without centering elements. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without the compromises required by a unified design that attempts to perform both centering and high-force clamping simultaneously.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise matching between clamping elements and chucks is required, then positioning accuracy is improved, but thermal expansion differences cause errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the tolerance parameters of the receiving openings in chucks without centering elements, designing them with sufficient clearance to accommodate thermal expansion and manufacturing variations. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain functional accuracy despite thermal effects, as the receiving openings can absorb dimensional changes without compromising the overall positioning precision established by the single centering chuck.
4Manufacturing precision
If separate centering elements are used in addition to clamping elements, then alignment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the centering and clamping functions into a single integrated chuck design. Each chuck contains a receiving opening that serves both as a clamping interface and, in the case of the centering chuck, as a centering interface. This merging eliminates the need for separate centering elements, reducing component count and simplifying the overall device while maintaining alignment accuracy through the receiving opening geometry.
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 provides a simple, high-force clamping system that can accommodate thermal expansion and maintain precise positioning, suitable for large and heavy workpieces, with high repeatability and resistance to manufacturing tolerances and thermal changes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring-elastic flexible centering element (9a, 9b) is arranged on the clamping chuck (1) in the insertion area of the receiving opening (7)
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a clamping device comprising a chuck (1) and a clamping element (2) that can be clamped thereto. The chuck (1) has a receiving opening (7) for the clamping element (2) and clamping elements (20) for clamping the clamping element (2) in the receiving opening (7). The clamping element (2) is elongated, while the chuck (1) is provided with an elongated receiving opening (7) for the clamping element (2). In the insertion area of the receiving opening (7), at least one spring-loaded, compliant centering element (9) is arranged on the chuck (1), which aligns the clamping element (2) transversely to the longitudinal axis (L) of the receiving opening (7) when it is inserted into the receiving opening (7). Such a clamping device is particularly advantageous for implementing clamping systems by means of which large to very large workpiece carriers (40) can be clamped precisely and repeatedly in the working area of a machine tool.