In-Port Sequencing Valve for Ordered Hydraulic Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clamping devices for CNC machining face challenges in designing hydraulic sequence circuits due to difficulties in routing internal passageways, leading to design constraints, costly corrections, and poor workpiece locational repeatability, as well as potential failures under high hydraulic pressure.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an in-port sequencing valve with a housing, pre-load adjuster, valve spring, and valve piston, which allows for adjustable and sequenced hydraulic pressure application through a clamping system, enabling precise control and sequencing of clamping forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If system level sequence valves and complex internal passageways are used for clamping device sequencing, then clamping devices can be actuated in a specific sequence, but the hydraulic circuit design becomes complex and routing internal passageways becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the sequencing function into individual port-level components rather than using a centralized system-level sequence valve. Each clamp port has its own sequencing capability through check valves and accumulators, allowing independent control and simplifying the overall hydraulic circuit design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces accumulators as intermediary elements between the hydraulic system and clamping devices. These accumulators store hydraulic energy and release it in a controlled sequence, mediating the timing and pressure distribution without requiring complex routing passageways or system-level sequence valves.
2Ease of manufacture
If straight-line internal passageways are drilled into fixture plates for hydraulic routing, then hydraulic fluid can be delivered to clamping devices, but drill walk may cause passageways to accidentally intersect and render the fixture plate unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the hydraulic routing into separate, localized pathways at each clamp port rather than requiring long, interconnected passageways through the fixture plate. This reduces the risk of drill walk causing intersections and makes manufacturing more reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses disposable or replaceable seal elements and port components that can be individually replaced if damaged, rather than requiring replacement of the entire fixture plate. This reduces the impact of manufacturing errors and extends the usable life of the fixture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjacent internal passageways are used for hydraulic routing, then multiple clamping devices can be serviced, but these passageways may fail over time due to high hydraulic pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the hydraulic system into independent port-level circuits with individual accumulators and check valves. This isolation means that if one passageway fails due to high pressure, other circuits continue to function, improving overall system reliability while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses accumulators to cushion and absorb pressure fluctuations before they reach the passageways and clamping devices. This pre-cushioning effect reduces the impact of high pressure spikes, preventing passageway failure and extending system life.
4Manufacturing precision
If costly and time-consuming corrections or replacements are made to machined fixture plates, then design errors can be fixed, but productivity is reduced and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses inexpensive, easily replaceable seal elements and port components that can be swapped without replacing the entire fixture plate. This allows quick correction of design errors or wear issues, maintaining productivity while achieving necessary precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows individual damaged or incorrect components to be discarded and replaced, while the rest of the fixture plate is recovered and continues to be used. This minimizes waste and maintains productivity by avoiding complete fixture plate replacement.
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
This solution simplifies hydraulic circuit design, reduces the need for system-level sequence valves, and enhances workpiece repeatability and quality by allowing individual adjustment of clamping devices, thus improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing costs associated with fixture plate replacements.
Implementation Method 1
a valve spring, a spring plunger
Implementation Method 2
hydraulic pressure application through a clamping system
Data Source
AI summary
An in-port sequencing valve configured to be utilized with a clamping device of a workpiece clamping system having a fixture plate, a number of fixture datums, and a number of clamping devices. The in-port sequencing valve includes a housing, a pre-load adjuster, a valve spring, and a valve piston. The pre-load adjuster is configured to be set to a selected valve activation setting. The valve spring is compressed an amount corresponding to the valve activation setting. The valve piston is configured to be shifted from a closed position to an open position when a force due to hydraulic fluid pressure overcomes a threshold spring force of the valve spring corresponding to the valve activation setting. The in-port sequencing valve can be set to a selected valve activation setting so that the clamping devices clamp the workpiece in a selected order according to the valve activation setting.