Integrated Vacuum Clamping Pad for Double-Sided Workpiece Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double-sided clamping pads with suction pipes pose risks of accidents and contamination, and limit the flexibility in positioning due to the presence of suction and vacuum pipes on the worktable, affecting the quality of work and ease of workpiece movement.
Innovation Solution
A clamping pad design that integrates a vacuum pump and energy source, including a battery, with a solenoid valve and vacuum buffer tank, allowing for suction generation directly on the pad without external hoses, enabling flexible positioning and improved safety by eliminating the need for external suction pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external suction pipes are used to connect clamping pads to the worktable, then suction can be conveyed through the worktable, but the pipes pose risks of accidents and contamination to the workpiece
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the external suction pipes from the system by integrating the vacuum pump directly into the clamping pad body. This removes the harmful pipes that caused safety risks and contamination, while maintaining the suction function through internal means.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum pump and energy source are merged into the clamping pad body, combining previously separate components (pump, power supply, control valve) into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for external piping while maintaining suction functionality.
2Reliability
If suction pipes are pressed onto the machining surface to avoid accidents, then safety is improved, but the pipes retain dust and swarf that harms work quality
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the suction pipes from the machining surface entirely by integrating the vacuum pump into the clamping pad. This eliminates the source of contamination (dust and swarf retention) while maintaining safety through the pipeless design.
3Reliability
If orifices are arranged in the worktable to convey suction, then the risk of pipes catching tools is reduced, but the orifices become soiled and impede correct operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the suction conveyance function from the worktable orifices and relocates it to an integrated vacuum pump within the clamping pad. This eliminates the soiling problem of orifices while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping pad becomes self-sufficient by containing its own vacuum pump and power source, eliminating the need for external suction infrastructure (pipes or orifices) that cause contamination and operational issues.
4Reliability
If external suction pipes are used, then suction can be conveyed, but the positioning of clamping pads is restricted to locations with pipe access
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the vacuum pump into the clamping pad body, the system gains positioning flexibility as pads can now be placed anywhere on the worktable without being constrained by pipe routing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Each clamping pad becomes self-contained with its own vacuum generation capability, eliminating dependence on external pipe infrastructure and enabling free positioning throughout the work area.
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 design enhances safety by removing the risk of accidents and contamination, allows for flexible positioning of double-sided suction cups, and improves the quality of work by maintaining suction efficiently, reducing energy consumption and maintaining cleanliness.
Implementation Method 1
the body contains means for generating suction, which means are linked to said first face to be secured by suction to the worktable and to said second face to be secured by suction to a workpiece
Data Source
AI summary
A device forming a clamping pad includes a body (1) presenting a first face (1a) to be secured by suction to a worktable (T) and a second face (1b) to be secured by suction to a workpiece (P). The body (1) contains elements for generating suction, which elements are linked to the first face (1a) to be secured to the worktable (T) and to the second face (1b) to be secured to a workpiece (P). The device is applicable to double-sided clamping of workpieces (P) with a view to treating them or to working on them.