Covered Clamping Mechanism With Position-Sensed Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices are prone to contamination from machining chips, dust, and fluids due to exposed openings, require precise fluid flow rate adjustments for clamping force, and may damage workpieces if not parallel to the nozzle, and lack efficient position detection for fluid control.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a cover hood providing protection against contaminants, an elastically deformable part for precise movement tracking, and a detection system using an orifice for fluid flow control, along with dual clamps and ball-jointed nozzles for improved surface contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the clamping device is equipped with openings for mechanism access, then ease of operation is improved, but contamination from machining chips, dust, and fluids increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible bellows-like cover that encloses the mechanism while allowing the flange to move between clamping and release positions. This flexible enclosure prevents contamination from machining chips, dust, and fluids while maintaining operational access to the mechanisms through the movable design.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a silicone bellows covering is used to protect the device, then contamination is prevented, but compactness is compromised and the complex movement prevents proper encapsulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible bellows-like cover that follows the complex movement of the flange, providing protection against contamination while maintaining compactness. The flexible nature of the cover allows it to accommodate the translational and rotational movements without compromising the device's compact design.
3Productivity
If rapid fluid flow rate is used to move the flange quickly, then productivity is improved, but precise clamping force adjustment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a detection system that monitors the flange's position during its stroke and periodically adjusts the fluid flow rate. The system transitions from rapid flow during movement to controlled flow during clamping, enabling both high productivity and precise force adjustment at different stages of the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system provides feedback on the flange's position to control the fluid flow rate dynamically. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain rapid movement when needed while automatically reducing flow rate to achieve precise clamping force adjustment when the flange reaches the workpiece.
4Manufacturing precision
If fluid pressure is precisely adjusted for maximum clamping force, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the device becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system automatically monitors the flange's position and controls the fluid flow rate without requiring external manual adjustment. This self-service mechanism achieves precise clamping force adjustment through automatic detection and control, reducing the need for complex external pressure control systems while maintaining manufacturing precision.
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 device maintains compactness while preventing contamination, ensures precise clamping force adjustment, and reduces workpiece damage, enhancing operational efficiency and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a cylinder (1) and a flange (2), the cylinder being selectively actuated by a pressurized fluid
Implementation Method 2
at least one cover hood (5) comprising two ends, a first end (50) cooperating with the flange (2) by a pivoting connection, a second end (51) cooperating with the body (10) by a translational connection
Implementation Method 3
an orifice (6) in the body (10) configured to be closed by the clamp (2) during its sliding contact parallel to the translational movement against said body (10) of the device, said orifice (6) being followed by an air supply channel
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a device D for clamping a part on a tooling, comprising an actuator 1 and a clamp 2, the clamp 2 being articulated about a pivot axis X and moving over a defined path between a clamping position and a release position, this device D also comprising fixed and movable guide members 3 which cooperate to drive the clamp 2 with a rotational movement about the pivot axis X at least at the end of its path towards its release position and with a translational movement at least at the end of its path towards its clamping position, this device D further comprising fixed and movable bearing elements 4 which cooperate selectively, at least at the end of the path of the clamp 2 towards its clamping position, to mutually offer, at a distance from the guide members 3, a sliding contact parallel to the translational movement of the clamp and allowing the clamp 2 to be braced on the part to be clamped, this clamping device D further comprising a covering hood 5, 5a, 5b comprising a first end 50 cooperating with the clamp 2 by a pivot connection and a second end 51 cooperating with the body 10 by a translational connection.