Clamping Device with Pneumatic Chuck and Adjustable Jaws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Clamping of components with small diameters, especially those that are pressure-sensitive, is complex and challenging with existing precision chucks due to their design limitations.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a base body featuring a central recess for an annular connecting element, axial adjustment of an intermediate axis, and spring elements to create a pressure chamber that can be pressurized to open and close the chuck, allowing for precise clamping of small components with adjustable clamping force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional precision chucks are used to clamp small diameter components, then clamping precision can be achieved, but the clamping process becomes complex and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The chuck is divided into multiple independent clamping jaws (typically 3-6 jaws) that can move radially independently. Each jaw is actuated by its own pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, allowing individual or collective adjustment of clamping positions. This segmentation enables precise control over small components while simplifying the overall clamping mechanism through modular operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping jaws are designed with radial movement capability relative to the longitudinal axis of the chuck. This dynamic positioning allows the jaws to adapt to different component diameters and positions, achieving high precision clamping of small components. The jaws can move between retracted and clamping positions, providing flexibility and ease of operation.
2Force
If conventional chucks apply clamping force to small components, then clamping is achieved, but the components may be damaged due to excessive pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping force parameters are precisely controlled through regulated pneumatic or hydraulic pressure systems. The pressure can be adjusted to match the specific requirements of different small components, ensuring sufficient clamping force without exceeding damage thresholds. This parameter control allows the same chuck to safely handle various component types with different pressure sensitivities.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping jaws are equipped with self-adjusting mechanisms that automatically adapt to the component's position and diameter. The radial movement capability allows the jaws to find their optimal clamping points without requiring manual intervention or complex positioning systems, reducing the risk of misalignment-induced damage while maintaining consistent clamping force.
3Device complexity
If the clamping jaws are fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but small components cannot be precisely clamped
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping jaws are designed with radial movement capability relative to the longitudinal axis of the chuck. This dynamic positioning allows the jaws to adapt to different component diameters and positions, achieving high precision clamping of small components. The jaws can move between retracted and clamping positions, providing flexibility and ease of operation.
4Ease of manufacture
If the clamping distance is fixed, then the device is simple to manufacture, but small components with different dimensions cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The chuck is divided into multiple independent clamping jaws (typically 3-6 jaws) that can move radially independently. Each jaw is actuated by its own pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, allowing individual or collective adjustment of clamping positions. This segmentation enables precise control over small components while simplifying the overall clamping mechanism through modular operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping jaws are designed with radial movement capability relative to the longitudinal axis of the chuck. This dynamic positioning allows the jaws to adapt to different component diameters and positions, achieving high precision clamping of small components. The jaws can move between retracted and clamping positions, providing flexibility and ease of operation.
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 high precision clamping of small, pressure-sensitive components with adjustable clamping distances and forces, simplifying the clamping process and ensuring the components are not damaged.
Implementation Method 1
spring elements, in particular compression spring elements, are provided, which are supported between the connecting element and the intermediate axis in order to press the connecting element backwards
Implementation Method 2
a pressure chamber is formed between the connecting element and the housing body on the rear side of the connecting element in the central recess, which can be connected via a pressure line from the outside to a pressure medium can be acted upon in order to move the connecting element forward against the restoring force of the spring elements
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
The clamping- or gripping device has a base body (1) which defines a longitudinal axis, multiple clamping claws (4) which are movably held at the base body radially with respect to the longitudinal axis, and a partially hollow clamping piston (3). The base body is formed of dimensionally stable material. The base body has a central recess at its rear side, in which an annular connecting element is axially guided. The connecting element is connected with the clamping piston. An axis is held in the base body. An intermediate axis is axially adjustably held at the axis.