Workpiece Clamping Device with Sensor-Based Travel Limitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece clamping devices lack a simple and reliable method to limit travel between clamping jaws to prevent crushing during the insertion of new workpieces, particularly in machine tools like sawing machines, where precise and reproducible positioning is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece clamping device with a displaceable first and second clamping jaw, an actuating element, a transmitter, and sensor system that uses stops to generate a switching signal when the transmitter reaches a defined position, limiting travel and preventing excessive movement, thereby ensuring safe operation and adherence to standards like DIN 13898.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a travel limitation system is added to the workpiece clamping device, then safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical travel limitation mechanisms with a sensor-based detection system. The sensor detects the position of the actuating element and generates switching signals to limit travel, substituting mechanical interlocks or stops with an electronic control approach that reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transmitter as an intermediary component that mediates between the actuating element and the sensor. This transmitter converts the mechanical position of the actuating element into a detectable signal form, enabling precise travel limitation without direct mechanical contact between the sensor and moving parts, thus reducing complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a sensor and transmitter system is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical position indication methods (such as mechanical scales or direct sensor contact) with a magnetic or inductive transmitter-sensor system. This allows for contactless, high-precision position detection of the actuating element, achieving superior measurement precision without the mechanical complexity of direct coupling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitter serves as an intermediary that converts mechanical displacement into a detectable physical field (magnetic or inductive). This indirect conversion method enables precise measurement without mechanical contact, reducing wear and complexity while maintaining high measurement accuracy throughout the travel range.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the transmitter is made displaceable relative to the actuating element, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the transmitter dynamically displaceable relative to the actuating element through a mounting that allows controlled movement. This dynamic configuration enables the transmitter to adapt to different positions along the travel path while maintaining accurate signal generation, providing versatility without requiring ultra-precise fixed positioning for each possible location.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitter's displaceable mounting allows it to self-adjust its position relative to the actuating element during operation. This self-positioning capability provides adaptability to various operating conditions while the transmitter's own detection mechanisms maintain the necessary precision, reducing the burden on external positioning systems.
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, reliable, and reproducible travel limitation, minimizing the risk of crushing and ensuring precise clamping operations, even in varying orientations, while maintaining a minimal impact on the clamping process.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor by means of which one or more positions of the transmitter are detectable
Data Source
AI summary
A workpiece clamping device for a machine tool is provided, which has a base, first and second clamping jaws between which a workpiece is clampable, a drive, and an actuating element which is displaceable relative to the base and which is coupled to the first clamping jaw. A movement of the actuating element is brought about by the drive and the actuating element brings about a displacement of the first clamping jaw. A transmitter is arranged on the actuating element and is displaceable together with the actuating element and is displaceable relative to the actuating element. A first stop and a spaced-apart second stop are provided, between which stops the transmitter is displaceable together with the actuating element. When the transmitter abuts against the first or second stop, the transmitter is displaceable relative to the actuating element. A sensor is provided for detecting one or more positions of the transmitter.