Clamping Device with Lockable Slide for Measurement Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for holding measurement objects in a reference position often lack precision and require significant effort due to transverse components that impair the accuracy of the clamping position.

Innovation Solution

A clamping device that partially surrounds the carrier head with a fork part, featuring a lockable slide for linear adjustment parallel to the carrier head's feed axis, allowing precise alignment without transverse displacement, and includes a pivoting mechanism and a screw system for secure clamping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a conventional clamping device with toggle lever is used, then the measurement object can be clamped, but transverse components displace the measurement object and impair clamping position accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping position accuracyVSAvoidclamping effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping device is segmented into a fork part that surrounds the carrier head and a slide mechanism that moves independently along the feed axis. This segmentation allows the clamping force to be applied purely in the axial direction without transverse displacement components, resolving the contradiction between clamping effectiveness and position accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A slide mechanism acts as an intermediary between the clamping element and the carrier head. The slide moves linearly along the feed axis and transfers clamping force without introducing transverse components, thereby maintaining measurement object position accuracy while enabling effective clamping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If the clamping element position is adjusted linearly without slide mechanism, then alignment precision improves, but transverse displacement occurs that impairs accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidclamping position accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The slide mechanism introduces a controlled linear movement dimension along the feed axis, separating the alignment function from the clamping function. This dimensional separation allows precise alignment through axial movement without generating harmful transverse displacement components that would compromise measurement accuracy.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If a complex adjustment mechanism is used to eliminate transverse components, then clamping position accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping position accuracyVSAvoidclamping device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fork part is designed with a specific geometric configuration where the clamping surfaces are oriented perpendicular to the feed axis. This local geometric quality ensures that clamping force is applied purely axially without transverse components, achieving high position accuracy through simple local design rather than complex overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The slide mechanism automatically maintains linear movement along the feed axis through its guide structure, self-regulating to prevent transverse displacement without requiring additional complex control mechanisms. The design inherently eliminates the problematic transverse components through its own geometric constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables a more precise and accurate arrangement of measurement objects with reduced effort, accommodating various measurement objects through adjustable clamping points and efficient production methods.

Implementation Method 1

A screw coaxial with the bolt is expediently provided for generating a clamping force.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP2202414B1Device for holding an object to be measured in a reference point
Publication Date: 2018.10.24 CARL ZEISS FIXTURE SYST GMBH
  • EP2202414B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The device has a clamping unit (4) with a clamping element lying against the measurement object. The clamping unit is fitted on a support head (1) and overlaps the measurement object. The clamping unit is held in a system against the support head. The clamping unit has a lockable slide valve for adjustment the position of the clamping element.