Clamping Device with Split Spring Receptacle for Variable Thickness

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamping devices are not structurally simple yet effective in clamping workpieces of varying thicknesses, particularly sheet metal with thicknesses ranging from 1 mm to 3 mm, without requiring external adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A clamping device with a compact spring device featuring a split spring receptacle and mechanical springs that compress differently based on workpiece thickness, allowing for adjustable clamping force without external intervention, using a toggle lever mechanism and a rotatable roller for optimal interaction with the spring device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a clamping device is designed to clamp workpieces of different thicknesses, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to adjustment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping range for different workpiece thicknessesVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic spring device where the roller can assume variable positions along the slot axis depending on workpiece thickness. The spring force dynamically adjusts to different clamping requirements, allowing the device to adapt to various workpiece thicknesses without structural modifications. The two-armed lever mechanism also dynamically changes its configuration based on the clamping force required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes physical parameters of the spring device (spring force, roller position) to adapt to different workpiece thicknesses. By varying the compression of the spring element and the position of the roller on the slot, the clamping force can be adjusted to match different workpiece dimensions without altering the basic device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If external adjustment mechanisms are added to accommodate different workpiece thicknesses, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to required external intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping range for different workpiece thicknessesVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spring device with the roller in the slot enables self-adjustment based on workpiece thickness. When the workpiece is placed between the clamping element and the housing, the spring automatically compresses to the appropriate degree, and the roller naturally settles at the correct position along the slot, providing the required clamping force without any external adjustment by the operator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a spring-based system that automatically adapts. Instead of using threaded adjustments, linkages, or electronic controls, the simple spring element with roller contact provides automatic adaptation to different workpiece thicknesses, significantly simplifying operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a gas spring with slidable piston and rotatable roller is used, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustable clamping force for different thicknessesVSAvoidspring device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring device is segmented into distinct functional components: the spring element, the roller, and the slot. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together as a unified system. The roller is separated from the spring, allowing it to move freely along the slot while the spring provides the forcing function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The roller acts as an intermediary between the spring element and the control part. Instead of direct contact between the spring and the moving components, the roller mediates the force transmission, allowing for smooth adjustment and reducing wear on critical components while maintaining the adaptive functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 clamping of workpieces with varying thicknesses by varying the compression of mechanical springs, ensuring a secure grip without external adjustments, and maintaining structural simplicity and ease of assembly.

Implementation Method 1

a spring device (28) being mounted in the housing (2), which forms a flexible stop for the actuating part (17) when clamping the workpiece (12) in accordance with its strength

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the rod (15) and the lever arm (14) connected to it form a toggle lever mechanism (25), which is in a position when the workpiece (12) is clamped in which, without the action of the actuator (21), opening of the clamping device (1) is prevented

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP3061568B1Clamping device for clamping workpieces of variable thickness
Publication Date: 2017.04.12 UNIVER
  • EP3061568B1 patent drawing
  • EP3061568B1 patent drawing
  • EP3061568B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a clamping device (1) for clamping workpieces (12) with varying clamping force, comprising a housing (2), a two-armed lever (4) pivotable about a housing-fixed axis (3), wherein one lever arm (5) of the lever (4) is pivotably connected to a clamping element (6) slidably mounted in the housing (2), and the other lever arm (14) of the lever (4) is pivotably connected to a rod (15) in the region of one end of the rod (15), and the rod (15) is pivotably connected to an adjusting element (17) in the region of the other end, wherein the adjusting element (17) is movable by means of an actuator (21) of the clamping device (1), wherein the rod (15) and the lever arm (14) connected to it form a toggle lever mechanism (25) which, when the workpiece (12) is clamped, is in a position in which, without action of the actuator (21), a Opening of the clamping device (1) is prevented,wherein a spring assembly (28) is mounted in the housing (2) which forms a flexible stop for the adjusting element (17) when clamping the workpiece (12) according to its thickness. In such a clamping device, it is provided according to the invention that the spring assembly (28) has a split spring receptacle (29) with mechanical springs (32) acting on relative to each other movable receiving parts (30, 31) of the spring receptacle (29), wherein means (34) are provided for connecting the two receiving parts (30, 31), wherein when the workpiece (12) is clamped, one receiving part (31) is supported on the housing (2) and the other receiving part (30) acts on the adjusting element (17).