Clamping Assembly with Sensing Elements for Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping assemblies for load-carrying vehicles are complex and expensive, and fail to reliably apply an appropriate clamping force to various loads, leading to potential damage from improper or insufficient clamping during handling and transportation of sensitive loads.
Innovation Solution
A clamping assembly with adjustable clamp arms and sensing elements, utilizing fluid-filled bladders to detect and control clamping force, featuring a hydraulic actuator and valve system to prevent excessive force and adjust based on load size and shape, ensuring appropriate clamping pressure is applied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex computer-controlled systems with proportional valves and pressure transducers are used to control clamping force, then clamping force precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensing elements (load cells or pressure-sensitive elements) integrated into the clamp arms that continuously monitor the clamping force applied to the load. This feedback signal is processed by a control system that automatically adjusts the hydraulic actuator to maintain the desired clamping force, eliminating the need for complex computer-controlled systems while achieving precise force control through simple feedback loops
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping assembly is designed to automatically sense and regulate its own clamping force through integrated sensing elements and control mechanisms. The system self-adjusts the clamping force based on load characteristics without requiring external complex control systems, operators to manually calculate forces, or sophisticated computer algorithms, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining precision
2Reliability
If high clamping force is applied to ensure load security, then load stability is improved, but load damage increases due to excessive force on sensitive cartons
Solution Approach 1:
Sensing elements integrated into the clamp arms continuously monitor the actual clamping force applied to the load. This feedback information is used by the control system to automatically adjust the hydraulic actuator, ensuring that the clamping force remains within the optimal range sufficient to secure the load without exceeding the threshold that would damage sensitive cartons or packaging
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the clamping force parameter based on sensed load characteristics and conditions. By continuously monitoring and modifying the clamping force level, the system adapts to different load types and packaging sensitivities, maintaining secure load holding while preventing damage from excessive force
3Device complexity
If fixed clamping force is used for all loads, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different load sizes and sensitivities decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing elements detect variations in load characteristics such as weight, size, and packaging sensitivity. This feedback information enables the control system to automatically adjust the clamping force for each specific load, providing adaptability across different load types while maintaining relatively simple device architecture without requiring complex pre-programming or manual adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping force is made dynamic rather than fixed, allowing real-time adjustment based on sensed load conditions. The hydraulic actuator can vary the clamping force level continuously to match different load requirements, enabling the system to adapt to various load sizes and sensitivities while keeping the mechanical structure simple and straightforward
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 reliable and adjustable clamping force that minimizes damage to loads by automatically controlling the clamping pressure based on load characteristics, reducing the risk of carton damage during handling and transportation.
Implementation Method 1
The first clamp arm sensing elements and the second clamp arm sensing elements can comprise bladders filled with fluid. Changes in pressures within the bladders generated by contact between the clamp arms and the load can be used to control the clamping force.
Implementation Method 2
The clamping assembly can comprise at least one hydraulic actuator configured to move the first and second clamp arms towards and away from each other and to engage and exert the clamping force on a load.
Implementation Method 3
The clamping assembly can comprise a valve connected to the hydraulic actuator and to the first and second clamp arm sensing elements. The valve can be configured to shut off flow to the hydraulic actuator when the forces detected by the first and second sensing elements exceed a predetermined threshold, thereby preventing the clamping force from increasing.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping assembly for a load-carrying vehicle capable of exerting an adjustable clamping force, comprises first and second clamp arms, and first and second clamp arm sensing elements. The first and second clamp arms are movable towards and away from each other to contact and exert a clamping force on a load sufficient for lifting the load and transporting the load. The first clamp arm sensing elements are positioned at spaced apart locations on the first clamp arm. The second clamp arm sensing elements are positioned at spaced apart locations on the second clamp arm. The first clamp arm sensing elements and the second clamp arm sensing elements are configured sense and feed back forces exerted by the first and second clamp arms, respectively, in engaging the load such that the clamp arms can be moved relative to each other to adjust the clamping force applied to the load.