Micromechanical Gripper with Vacuum Pre-Hold and Reference Jaws
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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 holding issues, especially in miniaturized machining where precision and rigidity are critical, and they often require more expensive and cumbersome solutions for maintaining machined components post-trimming.
Innovation Solution
A gripping device with a precision reference support and vacuum holding mechanism integrated into a modified standard clamp, allowing for precise positioning and enhanced holding force without altering the clamp's external dimensions, utilizing fixed and movable jaws with vacuum channels to secure components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional elastic clamps with movable segments are used, then clamping force is achieved, but positioning precision deteriorates due to lack of fixed reference support
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into fixed segments and movable segments. The fixed segments provide stable reference surfaces for positioning, while the movable segments provide clamping force. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of positioning precision and clamping force.
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the clamp have different functional qualities: fixed segments have precision-machined reference surfaces for positioning, while movable segments have elastic properties for clamping. This local differentiation of quality enables both positioning and clamping functions to be performed optimally.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard elastic clamps are used, then clamping functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases for miniaturized applications
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp design integrates multiple functions into a single device: positioning, clamping, and reference support are all achieved within the same clamp structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components in miniaturized applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable segments are nested within the fixed segments, with the movable segments able to pivot within the structure of the fixed segments. This nested arrangement achieves complex functionality within a compact form factor suitable for miniaturized machining.
3Ease of operation
If movable segments pivot to clamp, then clamping action is achieved, but fixed reference support is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into fixed segments and movable segments. The fixed segments remain stationary and provide stable reference surfaces, while the movable segments pivot to provide clamping action. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by assigning different functions to different segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed segments have precision-machined surfaces that serve as reference surfaces, while the movable segments have elastic properties and pivoting capability. This local differentiation ensures that the reference support function and clamping action function are performed by appropriately designed portions of the clamp.
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 provides accurate and repeatable positioning and increased holding force, enabling efficient machining and rework operations while maintaining compactness and economic feasibility, aligning with the trend of miniaturization in micromechanical machining.
Implementation Method 1
at least one vacuum generator (60) arranged to create a vacuum in the clamping chamber via at least one channel (35) provided in the movable jaws (2) and/or the fixed jaws (3)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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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), and on the other hand, a vacuum generator (60) for creating a vacuum in the clamping chamber.The invention further relates to a method of fixing a micromechanical or watchmaking component (200) in the clamping chamber of such a gripping device (100) according to which said component (200) is placed on said reference surface (20), then a first holding is carried out by vacuum, then a second holding of torque greater than that of said first holding by pivoting of the movable jaws (2).