Floating Clamping Module for XY Tolerance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping systems face challenges in accommodating dimensional changes of workpiece carriers in the X-Y plane without using elastic centering elements, and they are often mechanically overdetermined, making them complex and less suitable for precise clamping of large and heavy workpieces.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a clamping module that can be displaced in the X-Y plane relative to a fixing element, allowing for tolerance compensation without elastic centering elements, featuring a loose fit in the Z direction for high clamping force transmission and simplified manufacturing requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rigid clamping systems are used, then clamping force transmission is high, but the system cannot accommodate dimensional changes of workpiece carriers in the XY plane
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping module is designed to be displaceable in the XY plane relative to the fixing element, transforming a static rigid connection into a dynamic adjustable one. This allows the system to adapt to dimensional changes of workpiece carriers while maintaining clamping accuracy through controlled movement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device is divided into two functional parts: a fixed fixing element attached to the clamping base and a movable clamping module that can be displaced. This segmentation allows the fixing element to provide stable mounting while the clamping module accommodates dimensional variations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If elastic centering elements are used to accommodate dimensional changes, then adaptability improves, but the system becomes mechanically overdetermined and complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using elastic centering elements that create mechanical overdetermination, the invention employs a displaceable clamping module that moves freely in the XY plane. This dynamic approach provides tolerance compensation without adding mechanical complexity or over-constraining the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes the complex elastic centering elements from the system and replaces them with a simpler displaceable module design. This extraction eliminates unnecessary mechanical complexity while retaining the essential function of accommodating dimensional changes.
3Manufacturing precision
If the clamping module is rigidly fixed in the XY plane, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but tolerance compensation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping module is designed with displacement capability in the XY plane, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to compensate for tolerances while maintaining precise clamping when engaged. This dynamic design reconciles the need for both accuracy and adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a clamping device comprising a clamping assembly (1) that can be attached to a clamping base and a clamping element (26) that can be clamped thereto. The clamping assembly (1) has a clamping module (2) provided with clamping elements (15), which can be fixed to the clamping base by means of a fixing element (3), wherein the fixing element (3) is designed such that the clamping module (2) is thereby fixed to the clamping base in a floating position in the XY plane. When the fixing element (3) is fixed, the clamping module (2) is displaceable relative to the fixing element (3) in the XY plane, but is not displaceable in the Z direction, wherein the fixing element (3) is provided with Z-bearing surfaces (24) for the clamping element (26).Such a clamping device is particularly advantageous as a module for building a large clamping system, with which thermally induced dimensional changes of the workpiece carrier relative to the clamping base can be compensated for with high repeatability, without the clamping system being geometrically/mechanically overdetermined in the XY plane.