Clamping Device Single Piston Radial Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamping devices for three-dimensionally shaped or uneven workpieces with sloping surfaces are complex and costly, requiring multiple positioning pins and complex pressure medium channels for individual control.

Innovation Solution

A clamping device using a single piston to actuate all positioning pins via a radially acting force, with a clamping sleeve and restoring springs to simplify the structure and reduce the need for multiple pneumatic or hydraulic lines, allowing for high force support and easy alignment with a bellows suction cup for precise workpiece holding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple positioning pins are individually controlled with separate pressure medium channels, then each pin can be precisely positioned, but the device structure becomes very complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple individually controlled positioning pins are merged into a single piston assembly that acts on all pins simultaneously through a unified pressure medium channel, reducing structural complexity while maintaining positioning capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single piston serves multiple functions by simultaneously controlling the position of all positioning pins, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms for each pin

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple positioning pins are individually controlled with separate pressure medium channels, then each pin can be precisely positioned, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single piston serves multiple functions by simultaneously controlling the position of all positioning pins, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms for each pin

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single piston acts on all positioning pins via radial force, then the structure is simplified and manufacturing cost is reduced, but the force capability must be sufficient for all pins

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidclamping force

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The piston employs a conical surface geometry that converts axial force into radial clamping force on multiple positioning pins simultaneously, achieving both structural simplification and sufficient force distribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The conical surface of the piston acts as an intermediary mechanism that distributes the single axial force input into multiple radial forces on the positioning pins, maintaining force capability while simplifying the overall structure

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 solution enables efficient clamping and support of uneven workpieces with a simplified structure, reduced manufacturing complexity, and increased force capability, while maintaining precise alignment and holding capabilities, even with less flexible suction devices.

Implementation Method 1

a suction device (14) for sucking up a workpiece (12) to be clamped

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

restoring springs, in particular helical springs surrounding the positioning pins, are provided, which force the positioning pins out of the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

The piston displaces the clamping sleeve in the radial direction, as a result of which a radially acting force acts on the positioning pin, so that the positioning pin is braced in the bore hole that accommodates it

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2745987B1Clamping device

Publication Date: 2017.02.22 J SCHMALZ GMBH

AI summary

The device (10) has suction device (14) which sucks work piece to be clamped. A supporting device is provided with a cylinder forming housing (22). The cylinder and housing are provided on three axially projecting and axially movable positioning pins (20). A piston is arranged in cylinder, and axially moved adjacent to pins. A clamping sleeve is engaged on pin to engage jacket of piston directly or indirectly in clamping position of piston, and to exert radial force on pin, so that pin in housing is displaced radially, and axially clamped.