Clamping Module Radial Offset Compensation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Zero-point clamping systems face mechanical overdetermination and stress due to manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion when clamping larger workpieces, leading to issues with centric insertion and jamming of clamping bolts, especially with multiple clamping modules.
Innovation Solution
A clamping module design featuring a bayonet-like connection between the base body and compensating body, allowing axial movement to be transferred and compensating for radial offsets through a mechanism that converts axial movement into radial displacement of the locking element, preventing mechanical overdetermination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple clamping modules are used to clamp larger workpieces, then clamping capacity is improved, but mechanical overdetermination and stress occur due to manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping module employs a dynamic compensation mechanism where the locking element can move radially and the piston can move axially to adapt to dimensional changes. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain reliable clamping of multiple workpieces while compensating for thermal expansion and manufacturing tolerances, thereby reducing mechanical stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes parameter changes through the compensation mechanism that allows axial movement of the piston and radial movement of the locking element. These parameter changes enable the system to accommodate dimensional variations in clamped workpieces, preventing mechanical overdetermination and stress while maintaining clamping reliability.
2Device complexity
If standard clamping bolts are used in multiple clamping modules, then system simplicity is improved, but centric insertion fails due to radial offsets from thermal expansion and tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a compensation mechanism as an intermediary between the clamping bolt and the clamping module body. This mechanism includes a piston that can move axially and a locking element that can move radially, serving as a mediator to absorb radial offsets and enable centric insertion of standard clamping bolts even when thermal expansion or manufacturing tolerances cause misalignment.
3Manufacturing precision
If compensation bolts are provided to compensate for radial and axial offsets, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the compensation function into the standard clamping module structure itself. The piston and locking element mechanism is integrated within the module, combining the clamping and compensation functions in a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate compensation bolts or additional components, maintaining positioning accuracy while avoiding increased device complexity.
4Force
If the locking element is moved radially to lock the clamping bolt, then clamping force is improved, but mechanical overdetermination occurs when combined with axial positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a dynamic compensation mechanism where the locking element can move radially to provide clamping force while the piston can move axially to accommodate positioning variations. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain strong clamping force while preventing mechanical overdetermination by absorbing dimensional variations through the compensation mechanism.
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
This design ensures reliable and precise clamping of multiple clamping bolts across multiple modules, compensating for thermal expansion and manufacturing tolerances, thereby reducing mechanical stress and ensuring accurate positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure chamber (53) arranged between the base body (42) and the cylinder chamber (36), which can be pressurized with a pressure medium
Implementation Method 2
movably coupled to the locking element (64) by means of a mechanism such that a particular axial displacement of the piston (38) causes a radial displacement of the locking element (64)
Implementation Method 3
The base body (42) and the compensating body (44) are connected to one another without axial play
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Clamping module, in particular compensating module, with a clamping receptacle for receiving a clamping bolt of a clamping system, in particular a zero-point clamping system, and with at least one locking element which can be displaced in a radial direction into a locking position such that it acts in a radially inner position against a clamping bolt arranged in the clamping receptacle, wherein a displaceable piston is provided which is coupled to the locking element by means of a mechanism such that a displacement of the piston causes a radial displacement of the locking element, wherein the piston has a base body and a compensating body which has the mechanism for the movement coupling and which is arranged movably in the radial direction on the base body such that the at least one locking element clamps the clamping bolt radially without constraint in the clamping receptacle in the locking position.