Floating Clamping Module for Thermal Expansion Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamping systems struggle to compensate for dimension changes of workpiece carriers relative to the clamping base without geometrically overconstraining the X-Y plane, and require precise alignment of conical centering elements, limiting their suitability for large and heavy workpieces.

Innovation Solution

A clamping arrangement with a clamping module that is fixed on a clamping base in a displaceable manner in the X-Y plane, allowing it to absorb dimension changes, while maintaining precise Z-direction positioning through a fixing element with centering grooves and centering cams, enabling simple and robust clamping without elastic centering elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conical centering elements are used to compensate dimension changes, then dimension changes can be absorbed, but manufacturing accuracy requirements become extremely high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedimension change compensationVSAvoidmanufacturing accuracy of infeed elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The centering function is divided into two independent parts: coarse centering is handled by the displaceable clamping module in the X-Y plane, while fine centering is handled by the conical centering elements in the Z-direction. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function without requiring extreme precision from both simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping module acts as an intermediary element between the clamping base and the workpiece carrier. It absorbs dimension changes through its displaceable mounting while transmitting clamping forces, thereby protecting the precision conical centering elements from having to compensate for large dimensional variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple centering spigots and slits are used to establish position and angle, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning function is segmented across multiple clamping devices rather than requiring complex centering features on each individual device. The displaceable clamping modules collectively establish the zero point through their coordinated displacement, simplifying individual device design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping module serves multiple functions: it provides coarse centering through displaceable mounting, transmits clamping forces, and compensates for dimension changes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate complex centering mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If round clamping spigots are positioned very precisely, then clamping accuracy is maintained, but the system becomes unsuitable for large and heavy workpieces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping accuracyVSAvoidsuitability for large and heavy workpieces

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping module is designed to be displaceable in the X-Y plane, allowing it to dynamically adapt to dimension changes of large workpiece carriers. This dynamic capability enables the system to maintain clamping accuracy on large and heavy workpieces that would be impossible with fixed, precision-positioned spigots.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of clamping module displacement in the X-Y plane to compensate for dimension changes. This parameter change allows the system to maintain effective clamping accuracy while accommodating the larger dimensions and thermal expansions of heavy workpieces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If zero-point clamping systems with elastic centering elements are used, then dimension changes can be compensated, but the system requires very high manufacturing accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedimension change compensationVSAvoidmanufacturing accuracy of infeed elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12583068B2Clamping arrangement

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 EROWA

AI summary

A clamping arrangement has a clamping device is fastened fastenable on a clamping base, and a clamping element able to be tightened thereon. The clamping device has a clamping module with clamping members that can be fixed by a fixing element on the clamping base, wherein the fixing element is configured such that the clamping module is fixed in the X-Y plane in a floating manner. The clamping module is displaceable in the fixed state of the fixing element with respect to the fixing element in the X-Y plane, but is non-displaceable in the Z-direction. The fixing element is provided with Z-support surfaces for the clamping element. The clamping arrangement is particularly suitable for a large clamping system, so that thermally caused dimension changes of the workpiece carrier with respect to the clamping base can be equalized with repeatable accuracy, without the clamping system being over-constrained geometrically/mechanically in the X-Y plane.