Disc Cell Clamp Assembly for On-Site Clamping Force Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamped disc cell assemblies require expensive hydraulic presses for determining and calibrating clamping force, and on-site repairs are challenging due to the need for such equipment.
Innovation Solution
A clamping apparatus using a first and second plate with disc springs and adjustable fasteners, including a central screw and perimeter fasteners, allows for easy determination and calibration of clamping force without a hydraulic press, enabling on-site repairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a hydraulic press is used to engage and calibrate the clamping force, then the clamping force can be precisely controlled and applied, but the cost increases and on-site repairs become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the calibration function from the expensive hydraulic press and transfers it to a simple dial indicator and central fastener mechanism. The dial indicator measures plate displacement, which correlates to spring compression and clamping force, allowing calibration without needing a hydraulic press. This enables on-site repairs while maintaining calibration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dial indicator as an intermediary measurement device between the mechanical components and the operator. The dial indicator provides a readable measurement of plate displacement, serving as a mediator that translates mechanical compression into measurable data, enabling force calibration without complex hydraulic equipment.
2Measurement precision
If a hydraulic press is used to engage and calibrate the clamping force, then the clamping force can be precisely controlled, but the equipment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive hydraulic press with inexpensive components: a simple central fastener (screw or bolt), a dial indicator, and perimeter fasteners. These cheap components achieve the same calibration function without the high cost of hydraulic equipment, making the system economically viable while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential calibration function from the expensive hydraulic press system and implements it using basic mechanical components. By separating the calibration function from the hydraulic system, the patent achieves precise force control at a fraction of the cost.
3Reliability
If the entire clamped disc cell assembly is recalled to a hydraulic press location for repairs, then the clamping force can be maintained, but the downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the calibration capability self-contained within the assembly itself through the central fastener and dial indicator mechanism. Operators can perform calibration and repairs on-site without needing to transport the assembly to a specialized hydraulic press location, enabling self-service maintenance and significantly reducing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates the calibration mechanism directly into the assembly design, so that calibration tools and methods are prepared in advance and available at the repair location. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need to recall the assembly to a distant calibration facility.
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 cost-effective and efficient clamping force adjustment and calibration directly on-site, eliminating the need for hydraulic presses and facilitating repairs without equipment recall.
Implementation Method 1
one or more disc springs between the first and second plate may be configured to apply a clamping force to the disc cell assembly when compressed
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatuses for clamping a disc cell assembly. An apparatus includes a first plate coupled to the disc cell assembly, a second plate, and one or more disc springs between the plates configured to apply a clamping force to the disc cell assembly when compressed. A method includes adjusting the clamping force via a central fastener coupled to the first and second plates until a desired force has been achieved. Perimeter fasteners coupled to the first plate, second plate, and the disc cell assembly maintain the clamping force after adjustment.