Clamping Device Decoupling Mechanism for Rapid Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices require a large number of turns of the clamping screw to move the clamping arm from one working position to another, especially when the angle difference between positions is significant, leading to inefficiency in positioning.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a decoupling device that allows the clamping screw thread to disengage from the clamping arm, enabling independent pivoting of the clamping arm relative to the housing, along with a latching device to control the guide element's position and a biasing mechanism for quick adjustment over large angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the clamping screw is rotated to move the clamping arm between working positions, then the clamping arm can be positioned accurately, but a very large number of turns are required when the angle difference between positions is large
Solution Approach 1:
The movement from one working position to another is divided into two independent phases: first, the guide element is decoupled to allow free pivoting of the clamping arm for rapid repositioning; second, the guide element is re-engaged to enable precise positioning through screw rotation. This segmentation separates the rough positioning function from the fine positioning function, resolving the contradiction between speed and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: a decoupled mode where the clamping arm can pivot freely for rapid repositioning over large angles, and an engaged mode where the thread engagement provides precise positioning control. The guide element transitions between engaged and disengaged states based on the operational phase, allowing the system to optimize for either speed or precision as needed.
2Reliability
If the clamping screw thread remains engaged with the clamping arm during pivoting, then positioning control is maintained, but the clamping arm cannot be moved quickly between positions with large angle differences
Solution Approach 1:
The guide element, which maintains the thread engagement between the clamping screw and clamping arm, is temporarily extracted or disengaged during rapid repositioning operations. This allows the clamping arm to pivot freely without the constraint of thread engagement, achieving high-speed movement. When positioning control is needed, the guide element is re-engaged to restore the connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement state of the guide element is dynamically changed based on operational requirements. During rapid repositioning phases, the guide element is disengaged to allow free movement. During positioning phases, the guide element is engaged to restore control. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between maintaining control and achieving high speed.
3Speed
If a decoupling device is added to enable quick repositioning, then movement speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide element serves multiple functions: it maintains thread engagement for precise positioning, acts as a decoupling mechanism for rapid repositioning, and provides guidance for the clamping screw. By making the guide element multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate complex mechanisms for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving high repositioning speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide element acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the clamping screw and the clamping arm. It can be engaged to transmit rotational motion to angular movement for positioning, or disengaged to allow free pivoting for rapid repositioning. This intermediary approach enables quick repositioning without requiring completely separate independent mechanisms, thus limiting complexity increase.
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
Enables rapid and efficient movement of the clamping arm between working positions, reducing the number of turns required and improving positioning speed and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the decoupling device can include a pre-tensioning device which pre-tensions the guide element into the engagement position
Implementation Method 2
the clamping screw has a thread and the clamping arm has an engagement section which, in a working state of the clamping device, engages with the thread of the clamping screw
Data Source
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AI summary
To create a clamping device for clamping a workpiece, comprising a housing, a clamping arm pivotably held on the housing, and a clamping screw rotatably mounted about a longitudinal axis of the clamping screw, wherein the clamping screw has a thread and the clamping arm has an engagement section which, in a working state of the clamping device, is in engagement with the thread of the clamping screw, in which the clamping arm can be moved as quickly as possible from a first working position relative to the housing of the clamping device to a second working position relative to the housing of the clamping device, it is proposed that the clamping device include a decoupling device by means of which the thread of the clamping screw can be disengaged from the engagement section of the clamping arm.so that the clamping arm can be pivoted between a first working position and a second working position independently of any rotation of the clamping screw relative to the housing of the clamping device.