Zero-Point Clamping Module Closure for Chip-Resistant Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zero-point clamping modules face inefficiencies due to media and chip contamination, which degrade their performance, and lack a secure closure mechanism when a clamping element is not present.
Innovation Solution
A quick-change pallet module with a locking device featuring a cover element, axially displaceable adjusting element, and a sealing ring that expands radially for sealing, combined with rotatably mounted cylindrical pins and plain bearing bushes to reduce friction and enhance closure security, along with securing elements to prevent pin displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the clamping receptacle is left open for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but contamination from media and chips worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device is pre-configured with a sealing ring on the actuating element that automatically seals the clamping receptacle when the locking element is in the radially inner position, preventing contamination before it can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element serves as an intermediary component that both actuates the locking mechanism and provides a sealing surface, mediating between the locking element and the clamping receptacle opening
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a closure device is added to seal the clamping receptacle, then protection against contamination is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the actuating element of the existing locking mechanism, so the same component that moves to lock/release also provides the sealing surface, eliminating the need for a separate closure device
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element is designed with dual functionality: it acts as both the actuator for the locking element and as a sealed closure for the clamping receptacle, reducing overall device complexity
3Ease of operation
If cylindrical pins are made rotatable to reduce friction, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of positioning worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical pin is designed to be rotatable on its axis during operation to reduce friction, while still maintaining reliable positioning through the inclined guide geometry and spring element that constrain its movement
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 secure and efficient closure of the clamping receptacle, preventing contamination and improving the module's efficiency by ensuring reliable sealing and reduced friction, even under pressure.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing ring is expanded in the radial direction for sealing against the base housing
Implementation Method 2
the closure device comprises a spring element which urges the cover element into the clamping receptacle
Implementation Method 3
the surface of the cylindrical pin that interacts with the inclined guide is arranged so as to be rotatably mounted about the axis of the cylindrical pin
Implementation Method 4
the efficiency of the zero-point clamping module is significantly increased due to the rotatability and the resulting reduced friction between the cylindrical pin and the inclined guide
Implementation Method 5
The plain bearing bushes can be fixed, for example, by means of suitable press fits on the piston or on the locking element. In particular, the plain bearing bushes have a sliding coating, which can include polyoxymethylene (POM), for example
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~9
AI summary
Zero-point clamping module (10) with a base housing (12), with a clamping receptacle (14) provided in the base housing (12) for receiving a clamping element, with a piston (18) axially displaceable in the base housing (12), and with at least one locking element (22) movable in the base housing (12) perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis (20) of the clamping receptacle (14), wherein at least one cylindrical pin (24) arranged transversely to the central longitudinal axis is provided on the piston (18) or on the locking element (22), which is connected to a locking element-side orThe piston-side inclined guide (26) is coupled to the movement in such a way that when the piston (18) is moved in the axial direction, the locking element (22) is moved in the radial direction to lock or release a clamping element received by the clamping receptacle (14), characterized in that the clamping receptacle (14) is designed as a recess in the base housing (12) and a locking device (60) with a cover element (62), with an axially displaceable actuating element (64) and with a sealing ring (66) provided between the cover element (62) and the actuating element (64) is provided in the clamping receptacle (14) in such a way that when the locking element (22) is moved into a radially inner closed position, the actuating element (64) is moved against the cover element (62), whereby the sealing ring (66) is expanded in the radial direction to seal against the base housing (12).