Clamping Device for Wire EDM with Segmented Jaw and Pivot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices for wire EDM machines are inefficient due to dirty and difficult-to-maintain spindles, and their bulky design obstructs the machining process for small workpieces, making it hard to bring the wire and nozzles close enough for precise machining.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a lower jaw and pivoted clamp designed to mimic human fingers, featuring a slot for decoupling and adjustment screws, allowing for precise alignment and attachment without obstructing the workpiece environment, enabling close proximity of machining components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional vise design with spindles is used, then clamping force is achieved, but the spindles become dirty and require frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the spindle component entirely from the clamping device. Instead of using spindles to drive the clamping jaws, the device uses a cam mechanism with eccentric rotation to achieve clamping. This extraction of the problematic spindle component eliminates the source of dirt accumulation and maintenance requirements while preserving the clamping function through an alternative mechanical advantage system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a cuboid base with vertical recesses is used, then structural stability is achieved, but the design obstructs access to small workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a vertical recess design to a horizontal table-top design. The clamping jaws emerge horizontally from the base rather than vertically from recesses, changing the dimensional orientation of the clamping action. This allows workpieces to be accessed from the top surface and enables nozzles to approach from above, while the base remains stable through its table-like structure with appropriately positioned mounting holes.
3Reliability
If a bulky cuboid base is used, then clamping capability is achieved, but the base body prevents close positioning of nozzles to the workpiece
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the base into a flat table surface with localized mounting features rather than a solid cuboid mass. The clamping mechanism is distributed across the table surface with jaws positioned at specific locations, allowing the base to provide necessary support and stability while leaving the central area open for nozzle access. The mounting holes are strategically positioned to provide clamping capability without requiring a bulky base structure.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
The invention relates to a clamping device (1) with a lower jaw (2) at the front edge of which a support surface (10) extending at least approximately in a horizontal plane is provided for a workpiece (11) to be clamped, and with at least one clamp (3) arranged above the lower jaw (2), which is pivotably mounted on the upper side of the lower jaw (2) in the region of its rear end, so that by actuating a clamping means the clamp (3) is guided against the upper side of the lower jaw (2), whereby the front edge (17) of the clamp (3) is pressed against the upper side of the workpiece (11) lying on the support surface (10). A slot (32) runs in the lower jaw (2), which separates an upper segment (2a) from a lower segment (2b). The underside of the lower segment (2b) forms a contact surface (4) for resting on a base.The front edge with the support surface (10) is provided on the upper segment (2a), and adjustment means for adjusting the front edge (17) are provided in the upper segment (2a).