Clamping Device Compression Spring Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices with tension springs face safety concerns due to potential breakage, which compromises operational safety and reliability, especially when clamping thicker workpieces.
Innovation Solution
The clamping device employs a compression spring instead of a tension spring, allowing for compression during tensioning, and incorporates a locking mechanism and damping medium to ensure secure clamping and maintain position even if the spring breaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tension spring is used in the clamping device, then the clamping force can be maintained, but the operational reliability deteriorates due to potential breakage of the spring element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional tension spring design by using a compression spring instead. The compression spring (4) is arranged between the actuator (3) and the actuating element (5), compressing during the clamping process rather than extending. This inversion eliminates the breakage risk associated with tension springs while maintaining clamping force, as the compression spring cannot break under compressive loads in the same manner tension springs break under tensile loads.
2Force
If a compression spring is used to improve reliability, then the spring force for thicker workpieces increases, but the device complexity increases due to additional locking mechanisms and damping medium
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a damping medium (oil) in the housing (8) that surrounds the compression spring (4). This damping medium acts as a cushioning element that prevents abrupt movements and provides controlled damping during spring compression and expansion. The damping medium is introduced beforehand into the housing to ensure smooth operation and prevent sudden releases of spring energy, thereby compensating for the increased device complexity with enhanced safety and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a locking mechanism with a locking element (12) that engages with the actuating element (5) to prevent unintended release. This locking element acts as an intermediary safety device that works in conjunction with the compression spring system. The locking mechanism ensures that the clamping force is maintained reliably while allowing controlled release when needed, mediating between the spring force generation and the actual clamping action.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the spring element is designed to accommodate thicker workpieces, then the clamping capability improves, but the installation space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a compression spring (4) that dynamically adjusts its compression level based on the thickness of the workpiece being clamped. The spring can be compressed to different extents depending on the workpiece dimensions, providing adaptability for various thicknesses without requiring multiple spring sizes. The dynamic compression allows the same spring to accommodate a range of workpiece thicknesses while maintaining effective clamping force, thereby reducing the need for multiple installation configurations.
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
This design enhances operational safety and reliability by providing greater spring force for thicker workpieces, allowing tolerance compensation and reduced installation space, while maintaining clamping force for thinner pieces and preventing abrupt movements.
Implementation Method 1
the spring element (4) is designed as a compression spring that can be compressed with the actuating element (5) during clamping
Implementation Method 2
a damping medium is provided in the housing (8)
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6~9
Figure 10~12
AI summary
The invention relates to a clamping device comprising a clamping member (2), which is movably mounted in a main body (1); a linearly movable actuator (3), which is operatively connected to the clamping member (2); a spring element (4), which is operatively connected to the actuator (3); and a rotatably mounted actuating element (5), which is operatively connected to the spring element (4). According to the invention, the spring element (4) is designed as a compression spring which can be compressed when tensioning by means of the actuating element (5).