Clamping Segment Ring Retention Using Positive-Locking Ejector Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing clamping means for rotary machining is prone to failure due to material fatigue, especially in the connecting sections, leading to uncontrolled release of clamping segments under centrifugal forces during setup, which compromises machining accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The clamping means incorporates a clamping segment ring with ejector pins that secure the clamping segments in a positive-locking manner, preventing radial and rotational movement, allowing for a shorter clamping cone design that maintains high machining accuracy without additional components or increased setup effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an encircling metallic ring is mounted on the clamping cone to prevent clamping segment failure, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and setup effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector pins are integrated into the clamping cone structure, with each pin received in an opening of the housing and positioned to interact with contact regions on the clamping segments. This nested integration eliminates the need for separate external retaining rings while maintaining the safety function.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector pins serve dual functions: they push the clamping segment ring axially for mounting/dismounting and simultaneously secure the clamping segments radially through positive engagement. This self-service mechanism consolidates multiple safety functions into existing components.
2Reliability
If an encircling metallic ring is added to secure clamping segments, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to increased bending deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The solution extracts the security function from an external added component (metallic ring) and relocates it to integrated ejector pins within the existing clamping cone structure. This removal of external additions eliminates the source of bending deformation while preserving the protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding an external ring to provide radial support, the invention inverts the approach by using axial ejector pins that engage radial contact regions on the clamping segments. This inverted mechanism provides radial security through axial components, avoiding the bending issues of external rings.
3Reliability
If ejector pins are used to secure clamping segments in a positive-locking manner, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector pins perform multiple functions: they push the clamping segment ring axially for mounting and dismounting, and they simultaneously secure the clamping segments radially through positive engagement in contact regions. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate components.
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 configuration effectively secures the clamping segments, preventing uncontrolled flinging and ensuring high machining accuracy by restricting radial and rotational movement while allowing necessary radial play for clamping and unclamping, thus enhancing the reliability and precision of the clamping mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ejector pin, which is received in an opening of the housing and can be moved in the axial direction relative to the housing so as to apply a force to the clamping segment ring for separation from the clamping cone
Implementation Method 2
The clamping segments can be moved radially relative to one another by joint axial movement relative to the clamping cone
Implementation Method 3
The clamping segments, which are jointly part of the clamping segment ring, are usually connected to one another, in particular by connecting sections made from an elastic material
Implementation Method 4
there is the risk that the clamping segment ring will fail under the effect of the centrifugal forces
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping arrangement for fixing workpieces, having a housing with a clamping cone and a clamping segment ring with a plurality of clamping segments. The clamping segments are movable radially relative to one another via joint axial movement relative to the clamping cone. An ejector pin is provided for removal of the clamping segment ring from the clamping cone. A contact region for reception of or contact with a distal end of the ejector pin is provided on an end face of at least one of the clamping segments, which contact region is designed such that the ejector pin restricts outward mobility of the clamping segment in the radial direction in a positive locking manner when the distal end of the ejector pin is arranged in the contact region.