Micromechanical Gripper Jaws With Fixed Reference Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping systems for micromechanical and watchmaking components lack a fixed reference support, leading to inaccurate positioning and tightening, especially in miniaturized machining where precision and rigidity are critical, and often require more expensive and cumbersome solutions for rework machining.
Innovation Solution
Modifying standard clamps to incorporate fixed and movable jaws with distinct functions, where fixed jaws provide a precision reference support and movable jaws handle centering and tightening, maintaining the clamp's external dimensions and allowing for economical manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If standard elastic clamps with movable segments are used, then clamping functionality is achieved, but positioning precision deteriorates due to lack of fixed reference support
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into distinct functional segments: fixed reference segments that provide stable positioning surfaces, and movable clamping segments that apply clamping force. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the clamp have different properties: fixed segments have rigid, precise surfaces for positioning, while movable segments have elastic or articulated structures for clamping. This local differentiation of properties enables simultaneous achievement of positioning precision and clamping functionality.
2Reliability
If movable segments pivot to clamp the component, then clamping action is achieved, but position stability deteriorates due to variable friction and dimensional tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into distinct functional segments: fixed reference segments that provide stable positioning surfaces, and movable clamping segments that apply clamping force. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning function is extracted from the movable segments and assigned to dedicated fixed reference segments. This separation ensures that positioning is not affected by the movement, friction, or dimensional variations of the clamping segments.
3Manufacturing precision
If customized solutions are used for precision support, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into distinct functional segments: fixed reference segments that provide stable positioning surfaces, and movable clamping segments that apply clamping force. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed reference segments can be used across different clamping operations and component types, providing universal positioning capability. This reduces the need for customized solutions for each application, lowering overall manufacturing cost while maintaining precision.
4Volume of moving object
If miniaturization is pursued in micromechanical machining, then compactness is improved, but clamping rigidity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into distinct functional segments: fixed reference segments that provide stable positioning surfaces, and movable clamping segments that apply clamping force. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the clamp have different properties: fixed segments have rigid, precise surfaces for positioning, while movable segments have elastic or articulated structures for clamping. This local differentiation of properties enables simultaneous achievement of positioning precision and clamping functionality.
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 ensures precise positioning and tightening of components with improved repeatability and compactness, aligning with the trend of miniaturization in micromechanical machining, while being cost-effective and adaptable to various manufacturing operations.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic return means such as a spring
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
One aspect of the invention relates to a gripping device (100) for holding, centering, and/or clamping a micromechanical or watchmaking component (200) in a chamber delimited by a clamp comprising at least one movable jaw (2) and at least one fixed jaw (3), where part of the movable (2) and/or fixed (3) jaws has a reference surface (20) for frontal support of a component (200), and this gripping device (100) comprises both, on the one hand, fixed jaws (3) having the reference surface (20) for supporting the component (200) and movable jaws (2) for centering and/or clamping the component (200).