Eccentric Cam Clamp Geometry for Infinite-Position Workholding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cam clamps lack the ability to securely clamp workpieces in an infinite number of positions relative to a worktable while ensuring lateral holding and easy operation.
Innovation Solution
The eccentric cam clamp features a hub and eccentric clamp disk with tapered surfaces that create a slip fit and interlocking mechanism, allowing for infinite rotation and secure clamping of workpieces with a simple lateral push and rotation, enabling secure holding without the need for complex adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cam clamps are used, then the structure is simple, but the ability to clamp workpieces in infinite positions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp disk is designed with an asymmetric cam profile where the center of rotation is offset from the center of the clamp face. This asymmetric geometry enables the clamp to achieve infinite positioning capability while maintaining a simple single-degree-of-freedom rotation mechanism, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity
2Reliability
If conventional cam clamps are used, then the structure is simple, but lateral holding capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cam profile incorporates curved surfaces that generate both lateral clamping force and downward holding force simultaneously during rotation. The spherical geometry of the cam disk enables the clamp to engage workpieces from multiple directions, providing reliable lateral holding without requiring additional complex mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If conventional cam clamps are used, then adjustments are straightforward, but operation simplicity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The single rotational degree of freedom of the clamp disk simultaneously performs multiple functions: positioning the clamp at any angle, generating lateral clamping force, and providing downward holding force. This multi-functionality in a single motion simplifies the operating procedure while the underlying cam mechanism provides the necessary complexity for reliable performance
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 design allows for secure clamping of workpieces in various positions with a simple and effective mechanism, ensuring the workpiece is held both laterally and down on the worktable, facilitating easy operation and versatility in machining applications.
Implementation Method 1
The hub bottom 110 and the eccentric clamp disk bottom 140 both rest on the flat surface 112 during normal operation... The interlocking slip fit optionally includes a geometric interlock 170 configured so that when the eccentric clamp disk 104 is pushed laterally into contact with the hub 102
Implementation Method 2
The eccentric clamp disk 104 is circular and has an eccentric clamp disk center 166 that is offset from the hub center 160 by a concentric offset 168... The taper 144 tapers radially inward (narrows) as the inner perimeter 142 gets closer to the eccentric clamp disk bottom 140
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (100), including: a hub (102) having a hub center (160); a securing mechanism (106) configured to fix the hub onto a flat surface; and an eccentric clamp disk (104). When the hub is fixed to the flat surface and nested in the eccentric clamp disk, an interlocking slip fit relationship exists between the hub and the eccentric clamp disk. The interlocking slip fit relationship enables infinite rotation of the eccentric clamp disk about the hub center and has a geometric interlock (170). The geometric interlock is configured so that when the eccentric clamp disk is pushed laterally into contact with the hub, the geometric interlock urges the eccentric clamp disk downward onto the flat surface.