Self-Locking Fluidic Clamp for Precise Heavy-Load Holding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices in precision hydraulics and pneumatics face issues with low precision, weight, and maintenance due to movable components, and require constant fluid pressure for clamping, making them unsuitable for space-constrained applications and heavy loads.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking fluidic clamping device with a central element and chambers that change frictional contact based on fluid pressure, allowing high-precision clamping without constant fluid pressure, featuring a monolithic structure with adjustable cross-sections for elastic deformation and low weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conical or tapered elements are used for clamping, then holding force and self-locking are improved, but clamping precision deteriorates due to load displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical conical/tapered clamping system with a fluidic pressure system. Fluid pressure is applied to a flexible membrane that transmits force uniformly to the clamped workpiece through a flat clamping surface, eliminating the displacement issues inherent in conical mechanical systems while maintaining self-locking through pressure differential design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of force application from mechanical geometric conversion (conical shape) to fluid pressure distribution. By using incompressible fluid under pressure acting on a flexible membrane, the system achieves uniform force distribution and precise clamping without the displacement problems of tapered elements
2Reliability
If conical or tapered elements with movable components are used, then self-locking clamping is achieved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (conical elements, movable parts, locking mechanisms) into a single integrated fluidic chamber system. The flexible membrane combines the functions of force transmission, clamping surface, and locking mechanism, eliminating the need for separate movable components and reducing maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The fluidic system is designed to be self-locking through pressure differentials. When fluid pressure is applied, the flexible membrane deforms to create clamping force that maintains itself without additional components. The system locks automatically when pressurized and releases when pressure is removed, eliminating the need for separate locking and unlocking mechanisms
3Force
If conventional clamping devices are used for heavy loads, then holding force is sufficient, but weight and dimensions of the device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydraulic or pneumatic fluid pressure to generate clamping force for heavy loads. The incompressible fluid transmits force efficiently through a flexible membrane to the workpiece, achieving high holding forces without the need for heavy mechanical structures. The fluid system provides force multiplication and eliminates the weight penalties of traditional mechanical leverage systems
4Manufacturing precision
If hydraulic pressure is maintained during entire clamping process, then high clamping precision is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic or intermittent fluid pressure application instead of continuous pressure maintenance. The flexible membrane and fluid system are designed to maintain clamping precision through elastic memory and pressure differential locking, allowing pressure to be applied periodically rather than continuously, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining precision
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 device achieves high-precision clamping and holding of heavy loads with compact dimensions, low weight, and reduced maintenance, ensuring secure clamping even in the event of fluid pressure failure.
Implementation Method 1
the central element has a cross-section which may be variable in a longitudinal direction of the central element; the at least one chamber is disposed on an outer periphery of the central element and extends along a longitudinal direction of the central element
Implementation Method 2
the fluidic clamping device is configured to pressurize an interior of the at least one chamber with one of first and second predetermined fluidic pressures; wherein the first predetermined fluidic pressure is lower than the second predetermined fluidic pressure
Implementation Method 3
the central element is configured, in a first state in which the interior of the at least one chamber is pressurized with the first fluidic pressure, to be in frictional contact with the movable part at at least a portion of an inner periphery of the central element and to clamp and hold the movable part
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a fluidic clamping device (100) comprising a sleeve (110) for clamping and holding a movable part (200). The sleeve (110) comprises a central element (111) having a cross-section in a longitudinal direction of the central element (111), comprising a cavity configured to receive the movable part (200). The fluidic clamping device (100) is characterized in that the sleeve (110) further comprises at least one chamber (112) disposed on an outer periphery of the central element (111) and extending along a longitudinal direction of the central element (111), the at least one chamber (112) configured to containing a fluid, wherein the fluidic clamping device (100) is configured to pressurize an interior of the at least one chamber (112) with a first predetermined fluidic pressure or a second predetermined fluidic pressure, wherein the first predetermined fluidic pressure is lower than the second predetermined fluidic pressure, and wherein the central element (111) is configured to be in frictional contact with the movable part (200) at at least a portion of an inner periphery of the central element (111) and to clamp and hold the movable part (200) in a first state in which the interior of the at least one chamber (112) is pressurized with the first fluidic pressure, and wherein the central element (111) is configured not to be in frictional contact with the movable part (200) at any portion of the inner periphery of the central element (111) in a second state in which the interior of the at least one chamber (112) is pressurized with the second fluidic pressure.