Self-Aligning Dual Cam Plungers for Balanced Stud Hold-Down
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting systems require multiple parts and complex machining operations, leading to increased costs and machining variations due to the need for individual locking shanks and excessive camming angles, which affect the performance and efficiency of the system.
Innovation Solution
A dual cam system with self-aligning plungers that engage pull-down studs, balancing forces and reducing the need for tight tolerance machining, allowing for maximum hold-down force and simplified manufacturing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If individual locking shanks are used in mounting systems, then each shank can be secured individually, but the system requires multiple parts and complex machining operations leading to increased costs and machining variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual locking shanks into a single integrated plunger assembly that engages multiple studs simultaneously. The plunger body integrates several cam mechanisms and locking features that were previously separate components, reducing the total part count while maintaining individual securing capability through the integrated cam-stud interaction
2Force
If excessive camming angles are used in the mounting system, then the cam mechanism provides sufficient locking force, but machining variations increase due to the need for tight tolerance operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the cam geometry by reducing the camming angle from excessive values to optimized ranges. This parameter change allows the cam mechanism to generate sufficient locking force through improved mechanical advantage while reducing the sensitivity to machining variations. The optimized cam profile maintains force generation capability with more achievable tolerance specifications
3Force
If tight tolerance machining is performed on cam and stud components, then maximum hold-down force is achieved, but manufacturing costs and machining variations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the cam and stud components to reduce the required tolerance tightness. By optimizing the cam profile, radius, and engagement geometry, the system achieves maximum hold-down force with more relaxed tolerance specifications, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and complexity while maintaining performance
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual locking components are used, then each component can be optimized for its function, but the overall system performance decreases due to accumulated machining variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual locking components into an integrated plunger assembly where the cam mechanisms work in unison. This integration eliminates the accumulation of machining variations that occurs with multiple separate components, as the cam profiles are coordinated to engage the studs simultaneously. The unified structure improves reliability and performance consistency while maintaining the ability to optimize each cam-stud interaction
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 dual cam system reduces costs and machining variations by providing balanced hold-down forces and improved performance, while allowing for quick change and precise alignment of workholding devices.
Implementation Method 1
dual cam system with self-aligning plungers that engage pull-down studs
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system having a dual plunger arrangement wherein the side of each plunger has a pull down cam to provide a desired pull down action in relation to at least two studs, the cams moving relative to one another and axially aligning relative to one another relative to the two axially spaced pull down studs to allow the plungers to provide a maximum hold down force for the two pull down studs, balance the hold down forces thereby maximizing performance and reducing unlocking forces.