Hydraulic Column Clamping for Tolerance-Insensitive Operating Tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical clamping mechanisms in operating tables face challenges in accurately setting the clamping force, which is sensitive to installation tolerances, making it difficult to prevent both under- and over-clamping, and require high precision and construction complexity.
Innovation Solution
The use of a pressure-actuated clamping cylinder system with a foot-actuated pump and pressure-limiting valve to set the clamping force via fluid pressure, allowing for precise and adjustable clamping without stringent installation tolerance requirements, and providing flexibility in construction by allowing fluid paths that do not obstruct other components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical clamping mechanism is used with direct mechanical adjustment of clamping elements, then the clamping force can be applied, but the installation tolerance must be very low because deviation of installation position directly affects the clamping force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical adjustment system with a hydraulic system. Instead of mechanically adjusting clamping elements to achieve precise clamping force, a hydraulic cylinder with pressure control is used. The clamping force is generated and controlled through hydraulic pressure, which can be precisely regulated independent of mechanical installation tolerances. This substitution eliminates the direct relationship between installation position deviation and clamping force accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical stroke/position to hydraulic pressure. By controlling the pressure of the pressure fluid in the hydraulic cylinder, the clamping force can be accurately set and adjusted. This parameter change allows independent control of clamping force magnitude without being constrained by mechanical installation tolerances, as pressure can be precisely controlled through hydraulic valves and pumps.
2Reliability
If high precision mechanical clamping devices are produced to avoid under- and over-clamping, then the clamping force accuracy is improved, but the production cost and outlay increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces precision mechanical components with a hydraulic system that inherently provides force control through pressure regulation. Hydraulic cylinders and pressure control valves are more cost-effective to manufacture with high precision compared to mechanical adjustment mechanisms. The hydraulic system achieves reliable clamping force control through standard pressure control components rather than requiring custom-high-precision mechanical parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydraulic technology to achieve reliable and cost-effective clamping force control. Hydraulic systems with pressure control valves and regulated pressure fluid provide accurate force application without requiring expensive high-precision mechanical components. The hydraulic approach leverages the incompressibility of fluid to maintain consistent pressure and force, providing reliability at lower manufacturing costs.
3Ease of operation
If a pressure-actuated clamping cylinder is used to set clamping force via pressure fluid, then the clamping force can be set simply and accurately without stringent installation tolerance requirements, but additional components (pump, pressure lines, pressure-limiting valve) are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a hydraulic system where pressure fluid is conducted through lines to the clamping cylinder, providing simple and accurate clamping force setting. The hydraulic lines can be routed flexibly without obstructing other components, simplifying installation and adjustment. While additional components are introduced, they are standard hydraulic elements that simplify the overall control mechanism compared to precision mechanical adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pressure fluid as an intermediary between the control mechanism and the clamping cylinder. This intermediary allows indirect control of clamping force through pressure regulation, simplifying the operation. The pressure fluid transmits force without requiring direct mechanical connection or precise alignment, making the system easier to operate and install despite adding hydraulic components.
4Ease of operation
If a foot-actuated pump is used to produce high clamping force with little effort, then the ease of operation is improved, but the system requires a pressure-limiting valve to prevent overloading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a foot-actuated pump to generate hydraulic pressure for clamping, allowing high clamping force to be produced with minimal operator effort through mechanical advantage and fluid pressure multiplication. The hydraulic system inherently provides smooth and progressive force application, improving ease of operation while maintaining control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a pressure-limiting valve in the hydraulic circuit to prevent overloading before it can occur. This safety device is installed beforehand to automatically limit the maximum pressure in the system, protecting the clamping mechanism and workpiece from damage due to excessive force or pump malfunction. The pressure-limiting valve provides proactive protection rather than reactive damage control.
Data Source
AI summary
An operating table is shown, which comprises a table column with a column foot (10) and with a column head and also a bed connectable or connected to the column head, the column foot (10) having a floor-side baseplate (12) and a column-side footplate (14), the footplate (14) being mounted rotatably on the baseplate (12) and being secured, with a vertical play, by means of an abutment (24) against being lifted off from the baseplate (12), and at least one clamping cylinder (42) actuated by pressure medium being provided in order to tension the footplate (14) against the abutment (24).