Magnetic Console Clamping for Dust-Resistant Position Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamping systems face challenges in reliably and automatically determining the position of a clamping device on a console, especially in dusty environments, due to the need for frequent cleaning or the use of optical systems.

Innovation Solution

A clamping system that incorporates electrically operated magnetic field generation devices along the console length, paired with a sensor device capable of detecting these magnetic fields, allowing for precise position determination of the clamping device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If optical systems (barcode and camera) are used for position determination, then position monitoring is possible, but the system requires frequent cleaning in dusty environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition determinationVSAvoidmaintenance requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the optical measurement system (camera and barcode) with a magnetic field-based detection system. Magnetic field sensors (Hall sensors) detect the position of the clamping device by sensing magnetic fields generated by magnets embedded in the console, eliminating the need for optical components that require cleaning in dusty environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary medium for position transmission. Magnets embedded in the console generate magnetic fields that extend into the space around the console, allowing the sensor on the clamping device to detect position without direct optical contact, thus avoiding dust contamination issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If magnetic field generating devices are used for position determination, then reliable position detection in dusty environments is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition determination reliabilityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses magnetic field patterns as a simplified copy or representation of position information. Instead of complex optical encoding like barcodes, simple magnets embedded in the console create magnetic field patterns that directly correspond to position, which are detected by Hall sensors on the clamping device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter used for position detection from optical reflection (camera-based) to magnetic field strength (Hall sensor-based). This parameter change enables reliable detection in dusty environments where optical systems fail, as magnetic fields are not scattered by dust particles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables reliable, automated, and cost-effective position determination of the clamping device, even in dusty conditions, without the need for frequent cleaning or expensive optical systems.

Implementation Method 1

The console has a plurality of electrically operated magnetic field generating devices, each for generating a magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

The sensor device preferably comprises a magnetic field sensor, in particular a Hall sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4549082A1Clamping system comprising a clamping device and a console
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 J SCHMALZ GMBH
  • EP4549082A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4549082A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4549082A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a clamping system (100) comprising a clamping device (10) for fixing a workpiece, and a console (50) with a console housing (52) extending along a longitudinal direction (54) of the console, wherein the clamping device (10) can be placed on the console housing (52) and is displaceable along the longitudinal direction of the console when placed on it, wherein the console has a plurality of electrically operated magnetic field generating devices (58), wherein the magnetic field generating devices are arranged distributed along the longitudinal direction of the console, and wherein the clamping device includes a sensor device (18) for detecting a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating devices. The invention also relates to a clamping device and a console for use in such a clamping system. The invention also relates to a console system comprising a console and a console support.