Modular Soft Jaw Assembly With Cam Lock for Fast Accurate Clamping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping mechanisms for machine tools lack a cost-effective, versatile, and modular solution that can securely hold workpieces in various orientations and machine tools, requiring improved attachment methods and ease of setup.
Innovation Solution
A modular soft jaw assembly, known as TableJaw, comprising a body, clamping insert, and clamping pin assemblies, with optional bolt and nut combinations, that can be securely attached to machine tool table beds, fixture plates, or tombstones using a twisting cam lock mechanism, allowing for adjustable and secure workpiece holding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional clamping mechanisms are used, then workpieces can be held in place, but the setup process is time-consuming and lacks versatility across different machine tools and orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is designed with a universal base portion that can be attached to various machine tool surfaces (table beds, fixture plates, tombstones) in different orientations. The modular design with interchangeable clamping assemblies allows the same base to serve multiple functions across different machining operations and machine tools, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping mechanism is divided into modular components: a base portion and interchangeable clamping assemblies. This segmentation allows the universal base to remain simple while complexity is distributed across multiple specialized clamping assemblies that can be swapped as needed, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If custom soft jaws are machined for each workpiece, then accurate clamping is achieved, but the cost and time for setup increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping assemblies are pre-configured with machined surfaces and features that can be quickly swapped onto the base portion. This preliminary preparation allows accurate clamping to be achieved without time-consuming on-site machining, as the precision features are already manufactured in advance and can be rapidly exchanged based on workpiece requirements
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of machining custom jaws for each workpiece, the system changes the parameter of interchangeability - using pre-machined clamping assemblies that can be quickly swapped. This allows the clamping accuracy parameter to be maintained while dramatically reducing setup time by eliminating repetitive machining operations
3Reliability
If multiple clamping mechanisms are used to secure large workpieces, then secure holding is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The universal base portion can accommodate multiple different clamping assemblies simultaneously, allowing large workpieces to be secured with multiple clamps while maintaining a simple standardized base design. This universality enables reliable multi-point clamping without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple clamping assemblies are merged with a single universal base portion, creating a integrated system where the base serves as a common platform for multiple clamps. This combining approach achieves reliable secure holding of large workpieces while consolidating complexity into a modular architecture rather than requiring separate complex mechanisms for each clamp
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a clamping mechanism that is configured to securely hold a workpiece in a machine tool, such as, but not limited to a vertical machining center, or a horizontal machining center, etc. More specifically, the clamping mechanism is configured as a modular soft jaw. A multiplicity of clamping mechanisms can be used to cooperatively secure large workpieces. Furthermore, a multiplicity of clamping mechanisms can be incorporated into a job set-up so a multiplicity of workpieces can be processed concurrently. The present invention's clamping mechanism can be secured in orientations such as, but not limited to a machine tool table bed, a fixture plate, a tombstone, etc. The present invention's modular, soft jaw clamping mechanism can be used in conjunction with other work holding equipment, such as, but not limited to jigs, fixtures, tools, vises, clamps, etc.