Elastic Clamping Mechanism for Faster Toolhead Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machining centers with hydraulic clamping mechanisms face delays in toolhead changes due to the time required for hydraulic fluid supply and leakage issues, leading to reduced efficiency and complex assembly processes, and occupy significant space with complex component arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A clamping mechanism featuring a movable housing with elastic members and a backup clamp system that allows for quick and accurate clamping and unclamping of toolheads, reducing change time and improving efficiency, and a machining center design with a compact toolhead changer and drive mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a hydraulic clamping mechanism is used to clamp or unclamp the toolhead, then the clamping force is sufficient, but it takes time to wait for hydraulic fluid supply and collection signals, delaying the toolhead change time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hydraulic fluid supply and collection waiting time from the toolhead change process by enabling the clamping mechanism to operate independently of hydraulic fluid dynamics during toolhead changes, thereby eliminating the delay caused by hydraulic fluid supply and collection signals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning the clamping mechanism in a ready state before toolhead changes, allowing immediate clamping or unclamping action without waiting for hydraulic fluid supply, thus reducing toolhead change time while maintaining sufficient clamping force
2Reliability
If a hydraulic clamping mechanism is used, then the clamping function is reliable, but hydraulic fluid may leak due to packing wear, contaminating the surrounding environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic clamping mechanism with a mechanical clamping mechanism that uses a clamping arm and clamping force transmission structure instead of hydraulic fluid and cylinders, thereby eliminating hydraulic fluid leakage while maintaining reliable clamping function through direct mechanical force transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple mechanical components with no fluid seals or packings that can wear, using robust mechanical elements that do not require maintenance for fluid containment, thus preventing leakage contamination while ensuring long-term reliability
3Ease of repair
If the hydraulic cylinder is disassembled for repair, then the leakage problem can be fixed, but the assembly process is complex and excessively time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex hydraulic cylinder assembly with a simple mechanical clamping structure consisting of a clamping arm and force transmission elements, eliminating the need for disassembly of complex hydraulic components and significantly simplifying the repair process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the clamping mechanism into modular components that can be independently inspected and replaced, allowing quick repair by simply replacing the clamping arm or related mechanical elements without complex disassembly procedures
4Adaptability or versatility
If the axis of rotation of the toolhead changer is perpendicular to the axis of the power transmission unit, then the toolhead changing function is achieved, but the arrangement of components becomes very complicated and the total volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by aligning the axis of rotation of the toolhead changer with the axis of the power transmission unit, utilizing the same dimensional space for both functions and thereby simplifying the component arrangement while maintaining toolhead changing capability
5Adaptability or versatility
If the axis of rotation of the toolhead changer is perpendicular to the axis of the power transmission unit, then the toolhead changing function is achieved, but the machining center occupies a relatively large installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the spatial configuration by aligning the rotational axes, allowing the toolhead changer and power transmission unit to share the same spatial envelope, thereby reducing the overall footprint and installation space while preserving full toolhead changing functionality
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 clamping mechanism significantly reduces toolhead change time and improves overall work efficiency by enabling rapid clamping and unclamping, while the machining center's compact design minimizes space requirements and simplifies assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic member applying a clamping force to the clamping plate by movement of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a clamping mechanism, including: a housing which is movable to clamp or unclamp an object having clamping blocks; a clamping plate disposed in front of the housing; and a first elastic member applying a clamping force to the clamping plate by movement of the housing, wherein the clamping blocks have receiving grooves in which edges of the clamping plate are received.