Embossed Workpiece Clamping for Secure Machining With Minimal Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping methods for workpieces in machine tools face challenges in securely holding a wide range of materials without causing deformation or chipping, while also requiring minimal space and allowing for multiple machining operations in a single setup.
Innovation Solution
A clamping method involving uniformly spaced recesses on the workpiece, combined with frictional and positive locking, using embossing to create deformations that serve as positioning elements, and clamping jaws with matching positive locking elements, ensuring secure holding with minimal space and uniform force distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If uniformly spaced recesses are made in the workpiece for positive locking, then the workpiece can be securely clamped, but the space required on the workpiece increases and the workpiece becomes less accessible for multiple machining operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating deformations only in specific areas of the workpiece where clamping is needed, rather than modifying the entire workpiece. The deformations are localized to provide positive locking at contact points while leaving the rest of the workpiece intact and accessible for multiple machining operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-applying deformations to the workpiece in a preparatory step before the actual clamping operation. These pre-applied deformations serve as coupling elements that enable secure clamping without requiring significant space or permanent modifications to the workpiece structure.
2Force
If high clamping forces are applied to secure workpieces, then the workpiece can be held firmly during machining, but the workpiece may suffer from unacceptable deformation or chipping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by pre-applying deformations to the workpiece that create compliant zones. These pre-formed deformations act as cushions that absorb and distribute clamping forces, preventing stress concentrations that would cause chipping or damage while still enabling firm clamping during machining operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a wide range of workpieces made from various materials are clamped using the same clamping device, then the device must be universally adaptable, but it becomes difficult to securely hold all materials without causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the characteristics of the deformations (such as depth, spacing, and geometry) based on the specific workpiece material and type. This allows the clamping device to adapt to different materials while maintaining secure clamping, as the deformation parameters can be optimized for each material's properties.
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 method effectively secures a variety of workpieces by reducing local stress peaks and preventing damage, achieving optimal holding force with minimal area usage, suitable for ductile materials like plastics, aluminum, and metals.
Implementation Method 1
In a preparatory step, deformations have been applied to workpieces to be clamped, in particular in the form of a series of uniformly spaced recesses
Implementation Method 2
The clamping jaws have contact surfaces for frictionally holding the workpiece
Data Source
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AI summary
In a clamping method according to the invention, a workpiece (10) is first provided with recesses (12), which are arranged, for example, in a row or in a grid with a 3 mm grid spacing. The grid spacing is measured as the center-to-center distance of the recesses (12), the depth of which is preferably less than the length of the recess (12), measured in the direction of the row of recesses (12). The distances between the recesses (12) preferably correspond approximately to the length of the recesses (12). A grid spacing of 2.5 mm to 3 mm has proven optimal for a wide range of usable workpieces and materials.