Integrated Clamping and Lifting Structure for Compact Workpiece Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamping devices require a separate raising and lowering mechanism to lift workpieces, increasing the device's dimensions and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The clamping device integrates an advancing-retracting mechanism that moves the support cylinder upward to insert it into the workpiece hole and lift the workpiece, eliminating the need for a separate raising and lowering mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate raising and lowering mechanism is provided below the main body to lift the workpiece, then the workpiece can be lifted to the seating surface, but the total dimensions of the device increase and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the raising and lowering function into the existing clamping mechanism by utilizing the advancing-retracting member's vertical movement. The same member that performs clamping also performs the lifting function, eliminating the need for a separate raising and lowering mechanism and thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The advancing-retracting member is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the clamping element and the lifting mechanism. By making this component multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated raising and lowering mechanisms, thus simplifying the overall device structure while preserving the workpiece lifting capability.
2Ease of operation
If a separate raising and lowering mechanism is provided below the main body to lift the workpiece, then the workpiece can be lifted to the seating surface, but the total dimensions of the device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the raising and lowering function into the existing clamping mechanism by utilizing the advancing-retracting member's vertical movement. The same member that performs clamping also performs the lifting function, eliminating the need for a separate raising and lowering mechanism and thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The advancing-retracting member is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the clamping element and the lifting mechanism. By making this component multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated raising and lowering mechanisms, thus simplifying the overall device structure while preserving the workpiece lifting capability.
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 configuration allows for a compact clamping device with a lifting function, enabling efficient and space-saving operation without the need for additional vertical movement mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
A raising spring, which moves the piston and the advancing-retracting member from a lower limit position to an upper limit position, is provided
Implementation Method 2
A wedge portion provided along an outer circumference of the pull rod engages the engaging balls from above in a wedge-like manner
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
An advancing-retracting member (3) which is tubular is hermetically inserted into a housing (1) so as to be movable in an vertical direction. An advancing-retracting mechanism (13) is provided to the housing (1) so as to move the advancing-retracting member (3) in the vertical direction. A support cylinder (17) is provided in a manner so as to protrude upward from the advancing-retracting member (3) and be insertable into a hole (21) formed in a workpiece (20). A pressing surface (4) formed in a top end portion of the advancing-retracting member (3) is able to push the workpiece (20) up. In a case where the advancing-retracting mechanism (13) moves the advancing-retracting member (3) upward, the advancing-retracting member (3) causes the support cylinder (17) to be inserted into the hole (21) of the workpiece (20) from below, and the advancing-retracting member (3) presses against the workpiece (20) via the pressing surface (4) so as to move the workpiece (20) upward.