Lateral Clamping Element for Workpiece Pallet Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices require pressurized fluid for operation, are complex in construction, and have limited displacement due to the locked state of the clamping nipple blocking the displacement path of the clamping element.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a locking mechanism where the clamping element moves laterally offset from the radial direction, allowing it to extend past the clamping nipple, enabling reliable locking without fluid supply and allowing for high holding forces through contact with the device's base or housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a pressurized fluid is used to actuate the locking device, then the clamping device can be operated automatically, but the construction becomes complex and requires fluid supply infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pressurized fluid system entirely from the clamping device, extracting the automation mechanism and replacing it with a manual actuating element. This eliminates the need for fluid supply lines, pumps, and control systems while maintaining the core locking function through a simplified mechanical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device is designed to be self-contained with an integrated actuating element that can be directly operated by the user. The mechanical advantage system within the device allows a single operator to control multiple clamping elements without requiring external fluid power infrastructure, making the device self-sufficient and portable.
2Device complexity
If the clamping element moves radially towards the clamping nipple, then the locking mechanism is simple, but the displacement path is limited by the locked state blocking the path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the movement dimension of the clamping element from purely radial to a combined radial and axial path. The clamping element first moves radially to engage the locking position, then can extend axially beyond the clamping nipple. This dimensional change allows the element to achieve both secure locking and extended reach without interference from the locked state.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping element is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to transition between different states: retracted position for insertion, radial locking position for securing, and extended position for reaching beyond the workpiece. This dynamic movement sequence resolves the conflict between needing a clear displacement path and maintaining a secure locked state.
3Reliability
If the clamping element has limited displacement distance, then the locking position is secure, but the clamping area cannot be positioned optimally for high holding forces
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping element is segmented into distinct functional zones: a locking engagement section that provides secure radial locking, a clamping area section that can be positioned axially for optimal force application, and an extension section that allows the clamping area to reach beyond the clamping nipple. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function independently, achieving both secure locking and high holding force capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a clamping device for clamping at least one clamping nipple (102) of a workpiece pallet (254) or a workpiece, comprising a locking device (106) for locking the clamping nipple (102) in a clamping nipple receiving area (108) of the clamping device (100). The invention is characterized in that the locking device (106) comprises at least one clamping element (197) with at least one clamping region (202). The clamping region (202) engages with the corresponding clamping nipple (102) in a locking position of the clamping element (197) and is not engaged with the corresponding clamping nipple (102) in a release position of the clamping element (197), and the locking device (106) comprises a moving device (250), by means of which at least one clamping element (197) can be moved from the release position into the locking position along a locking direction (222) which is not a radial direction of the corresponding clamping nipple (102) and/or from the locking position into the release position along a release direction (224) which is not a radial direction of the corresponding clamping nipple (102).