Laminar Clamping Units for Uniform Axial Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices face challenges in uniformly distributing axial loads among multiple layers, leading to non-uniform deformation and stress on elongated members, resulting in varying wear and maintenance needs across different clamping devices.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with angularly distributed clamping units that apply radial forces through laminar bodies and a modular frame with linear actuators and spherical articulations, ensuring proportional axial forces are applied via friction, and adjustable compliance to balance loads across multiple layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If clamping devices are arranged on several layers along the axial direction, then the clamping capacity is increased to handle high axial forces, but the load distribution among individual clamping devices becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is segmented into multiple independent clamping units (first, second, third, and fourth clamping units) distributed along the axial direction. Each unit can independently apply clamping force through its own actuator, allowing the total axial load to be distributed across multiple segments rather than concentrated on a single layer, thereby improving load distribution uniformity while maintaining high clamping capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-layer clamping arrangement to a multi-layer axial distribution along the longitudinal dimension. By arranging clamping units at different positions along the axial direction and connecting them through a common actuator system, the load is distributed across multiple dimensional positions, preventing any single clamping device from bearing excessive load.
2Reliability
If clamping devices are arranged on several layers, then the holding capacity is improved, but the wear and maintenance needs vary across different clamping devices
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device comprises multiple independent clamping units with identical structures and functions. Each unit includes its own actuator, support, and clamping elements, allowing them to operate independently and experience uniform wear patterns. This segmentation enables standardized maintenance procedures across all units, improving ease of repair while maintaining high holding capacity through the combined effect of multiple units.
Solution Approach 2:
All clamping units are designed with homogeneous structures and materials, ensuring they experience similar operating conditions and wear rates. The first, second, third, and fourth clamping units share identical design characteristics, which ensures uniform maintenance requirements across the entire clamping system while collectively providing enhanced holding capacity.
3Force
If radial loads are applied by multiple clamping devices, then the axial holding force is increased, but the deformation and stress on the elongated member become non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated member is engaged by multiple segmented clamping units distributed along its length. Each unit applies radial load through its own clamping elements (saddles or shoes) at a specific location, creating a distributed loading pattern rather than concentrated loads. This segmentation of the clamping action ensures more uniform deformation and stress distribution along the elongated member while achieving high total axial holding force.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping force application is extended from a single transverse plane to multiple axial positions along the longitudinal dimension of the elongated member. By distributing clamping units along the axial direction and actuating them in coordination, the radial loads are applied at multiple positions, creating a more uniform stress and deformation profile along the length of the member while maintaining high overall holding capacity.
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 solution enables uniform load distribution and reduced stress on clamping devices, minimizing wear and maintenance needs by ensuring consistent axial compliance across all clamping units, effectively handling high axial traction forces.
Implementation Method 1
applying a radial force produced by a plurality of clamping members to hold each axial-symmetrical body through friction
Data Source
AI summary
Clamping device (1) for axially blocking an axial-symmetrical body (CA); the clamping device (1) comprising at least a support (10) of given angular extension, provided with a plurality of laminar bodies (20) extending longitudinally in a given direction (D), each of which being incorporated in a substantially cylindrical interface (22) (23) made of deformable material so as to copy the outer shape of the axial-symmetrical body (CA) and to generate the tangential force in radial manner; each laminar body (20) having a toothed transverse face (24) to interact superficially with the axial-symmetrical body (CA); the laminar bodies (20) being carried by the support (10) through elongated members (30)(30′).