Machining Depth Stop Wedge Clamping for Ergonomic Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machining machines require cumbersome manual effort and high force to achieve precise and stable clamping of the stop element, hindering ergonomic depth adjustment and stability.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a movable clamping wedge driven by an actuating element, which simplifies the clamping process by allowing a simple and ergonomic adjustment of the machining depth using a rotatable clamping shaft and eccentric section, enabling high clamping force with minimal manual effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clamping screw is used to secure the stop element, then the stop element can be fixed in the stop guide, but operating the clamping screw is cumbersome and requires high manual force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the clamping mechanism from a screw-based system to a wedge-based system. The wedge shape transforms a small linear movement of the actuating element into a large clamping force through mechanical advantage, eliminating the need for high manual force while maintaining reliable clamping stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge acts as an intermediary element between the actuating element and the stop element. Instead of directly applying force through a screw, the wedge converts the actuating element's movement into lateral pressure that secures the stop element, simplifying operation while ensuring stable clamping.
2Reliability
If a clamping screw is used to achieve high clamping force, then the stop element can be securely fixed, but the hand must be repositioned which hinders precise work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuating element and the wedge into an integrated assembly where the actuating element directly manipulates the wedge. This merging eliminates the need for separate hand repositioning actions, as the operator can control both the clamping force and the wedge position through a single coordinated motion, maintaining precise hand positioning throughout the operation.
3Ease of operation
If a rack and pinion adjustment element is used, then the depth can be adjusted by turning a knob, but a pivotable lever is required to lock the adjustment which adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking function from a separate pivotable lever mechanism and integrates it into the wedge itself. The wedge's geometry and movement path inherently provide the locking action when pressed against the stop element, eliminating the need for an additional locking lever and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining ease of depth adjustment.
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 ergonomic and stable clamping of the stop element with reduced manual effort, allowing precise machining depth adjustment and improved operational stability.
Implementation Method 1
a movable clamping wedge (45) which can be driven between the stop element (31) and a counter bearing (49) of the machine unit (15) by means of an actuating element (43) in order to press the stop element (31) against a contact surface (53) of the stop guide (33)
Implementation Method 2
Driving in the clamping wedge requires only a relatively simple and short movement. Compared to a clamping screw, a clamping wedge can also exert a relatively large clamping force
Implementation Method 3
The clamping device comprises a clamping shaft rotatably mounted on the machine unit, with an eccentric section. The clamping shaft is rotatable by means of the actuating element, and the clamping wedge can be actuated by the eccentric section
Data Source
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AI summary
A machining tool comprises a machine unit including a driven machining tool and a positioning body for contact with a workpiece. The machine unit is movable relative to the positioning body to change the machining depth of the machining tool. A stop element is provided to limit the machining depth. This stop element is slidably guided in a stop guide of the machine unit and can be fixed in the stop guide by means of a clamping device. The clamping device includes a movable clamping wedge that can be driven between the stop element and a counter bearing of the machine unit by means of an actuating element to press the stop element against a contact surface of the stop guide.