Object Fastening Device with Dual-Force Clamping and Foreign Matter Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hydraulic cylinder systems for clamping objects lack the ability to finely adjust the force applied, leading to potential damage from foreign matter between the object and the receiving member during the clamping process.

Innovation Solution

An object fastening device with separate drive parts generating distinct forces, including a servo motor and a hydraulic cylinder, along with a foreign matter detecting mechanism, allows for precise adjustment and detection of foreign matter, enabling safe and secure clamping by switching between these forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a hydraulic cylinder is used to clamp the object with a receiving member, then the object can be securely fastened, but the force cannot be finely adjusted, causing potential damage when foreign matter enters between the object and receiving member

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fasteningVSAvoidforce adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping process is segmented into two distinct phases: a first clamping phase using a hydraulic cylinder for secure fastening, and a second confirmation phase using a separate confirming member with adjustable force for detecting foreign matter. This segmentation allows each phase to use the appropriate force level without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A confirming member acts as an intermediary between the hydraulic cylinder and the object. This confirming member can apply a finely adjustable force to detect foreign matter before the full clamping force is applied, serving as a mediator that prevents damage while enabling detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the hydraulic cylinder applies full clamping force immediately, then the object is securely fastened, but foreign matter between the object and receiving member causes damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping speedVSAvoidforeign matter damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The confirming member performs a preliminary action by applying a small adjustable force to detect foreign matter before the hydraulic cylinder applies full clamping force. This preliminary detection prevents damage while maintaining overall productivity through automated detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The confirming member applies a preliminary anti-action by detecting foreign matter and preventing the full clamping force from being applied when foreign matter is present. This prevents harmful effects before they can occur during the main clamping operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If the force applied by the hydraulic cylinder is increased to ensure secure clamping, then fastening reliability improves, but the risk of damaging the object when foreign matter is present increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening reliabilityVSAvoidobject integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the force applied during different phases: the confirming member uses a small adjustable force for detection, while the hydraulic cylinder applies full force for secure fastening only after confirmation. This dynamic force adjustment protects object integrity while ensuring fastening reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The confirming member provides feedback about the presence of foreign matter before full clamping is applied. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust the clamping force appropriately, preventing damage to the object while maintaining fastening reliability when conditions are suitable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

This solution enables precise force adjustment and detection of foreign matter, ensuring the object is properly seated without damage, enhancing the reliability and safety of the clamping process.

Implementation Method 1

The second drive part may include a spring which generates the second force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The second drive part may include a servo motor which generates the second force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a first drive part which generates a first force for fastening the object to the receiving part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS10195706B2Object fastening device for fastening object to receiving part, machine tool, robot, and method of fastening object to receiving part

Publication Date: 2019.02.05 FANUC LTD

AI summary

An object fastening device which can prevent foreign matter from ending up damaging an object when confirming the object is properly seated, which object fastening device is provided with a receiving part, a pushing part which pushes the object against the receiving part, a first drive part which makes the pushing part generate a first force, a second drive part which is provided separate from the first drive part and makes the pushing part generate a second force which is smaller than the first force, and a foreign matter detecting part which detects foreign matter which is interposed between the object and receiving part while the second drive part is being used to cause the pushing part to push the object against the receiving part.