Pneumatic Clamping Device Insert Plate Wear Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pneumatic clamping and/or braking devices face challenges in reducing wear between the device and the object due to direct contact, and in achieving effective clamping and braking without compromising the dynamics of the spring plates.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of an insert plate between the two spring plates in the pneumatic clamping and/or braking device allows for an axially thicker or wider design without affecting the dynamics of the spring plates, thereby increasing the contact area and enhancing clamping and braking efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the contact area between the clamping device and the object is increased to reduce wear, then the service life of the device is extended, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice lifeVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

An insert plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the spring plates and the object to be clamped. This insert plate serves as a mediator that increases the contact area with the object, thereby reducing wear on the spring plates and extending device service life, while maintaining the existing spring plate structure without adding significant complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping device is segmented into distinct functional components: the spring plates for generating clamping force, the insert plate for increasing contact area and reducing wear, and the housing for structural support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the insert plate specifically addressing the wear problem without redesigning the entire device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the device is made axially thicker to increase contact area, then wear is reduced, but the dynamics of the spring plates are adversely affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear resistanceVSAvoidspring plate dynamics
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The insert plate acts as a mediator that enables axial thickening of the device structure without directly affecting spring plate dynamics. By positioning the insert plate between the spring plates and the object, the contact area is increased and wear is reduced, while the spring plates maintain their original dynamic characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The insert plate utilizes the axial dimension to increase contact area. By adding thickness in the axial direction through the insert plate, the contact area with the object is expanded, improving wear resistance without compromising the radial and tangential dynamics of the spring plates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Strength

If hydraulic components are used to achieve secure clamping, then clamping effectiveness is improved, but assembly time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping effectivenessVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses pneumatic pressure applied to the spring plates to generate clamping force, eliminating the need for complex hydraulic components such as valves and tubing. This pneumatic approach achieves secure clamping effectiveness while significantly reducing assembly time and complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The complex hydraulic mechanical system is replaced with a simpler pneumatic system acting on elastic spring plates. This substitution maintains clamping effectiveness through the elastic deformation and force generation of the spring plates, while eliminating the need for intricate hydraulic component assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 increased contact area reduces wear between the device and the object, while the enhanced clamping and braking efficiency are achieved without significant additional effort or changes in materials and processes.

Implementation Method 1

the spring plates are arranged relative to the at least one pressure chamber such that by venting or de-venting the pressure chamber or pressurizing the pressure chamber, a bending of at least one of the spring plates can be changed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the pressure chamber can be vented or de-vented and can be pressurized with an overpressure of a pressure medium that can be supplied to the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

at least one clamping element, wherein each clamping element has a clamping surface which is designed... to transmit a clamping and/or braking force to the object to be clamped and/or braked

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4431229B1Pneumatic clamping and/or braking device
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 MEMA MASCH & APPARATESCHUTZ GMBH
  • EP4431229B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4431229B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4431229B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

This disclosure describes a clamping and/or braking device (10) for clamping and/or braking an object (5) to be clamped and/or braked, comprising: a housing (3) comprising a first housing part (3a) and a second housing part (3b), wherein each of the housing parts comprises an annular recess (11) defining a first contact surface (101) of the housing part and a second contact surface (102) of the housing part, and wherein the two housing parts are arranged and fastened to each other such that the recesses of the first and second housing parts together form an interior space (13) within the housing;a spring (1) arranged in the interior comprising a first annular spring plate (1a) and a second annular spring plate (1b), wherein the first annular spring plate is clamped in the annular recess of the first housing part between the first contact surface and the second contact surface of the first housing part, and wherein the second annular spring plate is clamped in the annular recess of the second housing part between the first contact surface and the second contact surface of the second housing part; at least one clamping element (8), wherein each clamping element has a clamping surface (7) which is designed, when a first end of one of the spring plates is supported on the first contact surface of one of the housing parts and a second end of one of the spring plates presses on the second contact surface of one of the housing parts, to transmit a clamping and/or braking force to the object to be clamped and/or braked;wherein the spring plates are arranged within the interior such that at least one pressure chamber (2, 4) is formed in the interior which is at least partially bounded by the spring plates, wherein the pressure chamber can be vented or de-vented and can be pressurized with an overpressure of a pressure medium that can be supplied to the housing, wherein the spring plates are arranged relative to the at least one pressure chamber such that by venting or de-venting the pressure chamber or pressurizing the pressure chamber, a bending of at least one of the spring plates can be changed and thereby the clamping and/or braking device changes between an open state in which the at least one clamping surface is spaced away from the object and a closed state in which one or more of the at least one clamping surface transmit a clamping and/or braking force to the object;wherein the clamping and/or braking device further comprises at least one insert plate (100) which is arranged between the first spring plate and the second spring plate in the interior space.