Index Table Clamping Force-Boosting Device with Variable Guide Angles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing force increasing devices for clamping devices in indexing tables increase clamping force but reduce working efficiency and require larger sizes, leading to increased waiting times and inefficiencies, especially when indexing multiple workpieces.

Innovation Solution

A force increasing device with guide surfaces that have different inclination angles for the moving process parts, allowing rolling bodies to move faster and apply greater force more efficiently, reducing the axial length and maintaining working efficiency by optimizing the speed and force application during clamping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the inclination angles of the guide surfaces are increased to increase clamping force, then the clamping force increases, but the axial length of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping forceVSAvoidaxial length
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the guide surfaces have different inclination angles in different axial regions. The first guide surface has a smaller inclination angle in the initial region to enable faster rolling body movement, and a larger inclination angle in the later region to increase clamping force. This dynamic variation of geometric parameters resolves the contradiction between axial length and clamping force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by dividing the guide surfaces into different regions with different inclination angles. The first guide surface has a first inclination angle in the initial region and a second inclination angle in the later region, where the second angle is larger than the first. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Force

If the inclination angles of the guide surfaces are increased to increase clamping force, then the clamping force increases, but the waiting time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping forceVSAvoidwaiting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by varying the inclination angles of guide surfaces along the axial direction. The smaller inclination angle in the initial region allows rolling bodies to move faster, reducing waiting time. The larger inclination angle in the later region ensures sufficient clamping force is applied when the workpiece is properly positioned.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the rolling bodies move through the initial region with smaller inclination angles before reaching the clamping region. This preliminary movement at higher speed prepares the system for clamping while minimizing waiting time, and then the larger inclination angle region applies the necessary clamping force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Force

If the inclination angles of the guide surfaces are increased to increase clamping force, then the clamping force increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping forceVSAvoidguide surface configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing variable inclination angles on the guide surfaces rather than uniform angles. The first guide surface has different inclination angles in different axial regions, creating a dynamic geometric profile that optimizes both clamping force and response time while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 enhances the clamping force without increasing the axial length of the device, reduces waiting times, and ensures reliable clamping operations even with wear, improving working efficiency and preventing breakage or wear of components.

Implementation Method 1

the first guide surface 32 is inclined with respect to a first inclination reference defined by a plane orthogonal to the axis of the rotating shaft 4, and the second guide surface 34 is inclined with respect to a second inclination reference defined by the axis of the rotating shaft 4

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInclined plane: Inclined Plane

Implementation Method 2

the rotating shaft and the frame are combined by frictional force produced between the other and the unclamped member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2253424B1Power-boosting device for clamping apparatus of index table
Publication Date: 2013.04.03 TSUDAKOMA KOGYO KK
  • EP2253424B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2253424B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2253424B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

In a force increasing device of a clamping device for an indexing table, a large clamping force is obtained without reducing working efficiency of a workpiece and while limiting the length in the axial direction of a rotating shaft. In a force increasing device 3 of a clamping device for an indexing table that increases a pressing force of a moving member 5 by a plurality of rolling bodies 10 guided by a first guide surface 6 and a second guide surface 8, at least one of the first guide surface 6 and the second guide surface 8 is formed by a guide region for the rolling bodies 10 corresponding to a former moving process part of the moving member 5 and a guide region for the rolling bodies 10 corresponding to a latter moving process part, and a moving speed of the rolling bodies 10 in a pressing direction (degree of speed reduction of the rolling bodies 10 with respect to the moving member 5) is changed by the guide region corresponding to the former process part and the guide region corresponding to the former part.