Clamping Tool Locking Element for Real-Time Force Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping tools lack efficient methods to accurately measure and control clamping forces, particularly in applications where uniform force distribution across multiple clamps is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A clamping tool design incorporating a deformable locking element with a strain gauge sensor that converts deformation into electrical signals, allowing for real-time force measurement and control, with optional wireless communication to a mobile device for display and alert functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor element is integrated into the locking element to measure clamping force, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor element is integrated directly into the locking element, merging the measurement function with the mechanical locking function. This allows clamping force measurement without adding separate measurement devices, thus improving measurement precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element serves dual purposes: it provides mechanical locking support and simultaneously functions as a sensor carrier for measuring clamping force. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and structural complexity.
2Reliability
If real-time clamping force monitoring is implemented with wireless communication, then reliability is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless transmission of clamping force data operates periodically rather than continuously, allowing real-time monitoring capability while significantly reducing power consumption. The system can be configured to transmit data at intervals or only when threshold values are exceeded.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control where clamping force measurements are continuously monitored and compared against threshold values. Wireless communication is triggered based on feedback conditions (e.g., when minimum or maximum force is reached), ensuring reliable control while optimizing energy usage.
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 precise clamping force monitoring and uniform force distribution across multiple clamps, providing visual and acoustic alerts for optimal clamping conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor element (5) that converts the deformation of the deformable element into an electrical signal from which the value of the clamping force can be determined
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a clamping tool with a device for generating a clamping position, in which two clamping elements (3, 4) apply a clamping force to a workpiece, the counterforce of which is taken up by a connection member (1) connecting the clamping elements (3, 4) to one another, with an element that deforms under generation of the clamping force (K), and with a sensor element (5), which converts the deformation of the deformable element into an electrical signal which can be used to determine the value of the clamping force (K). In accordance with the invention the deformable element is formed by a blocking element (2) which acts as a push-back block and above which one of the clamping elements (4) is supported on the connection member (1) in the clamping position.