Modular Vacuum Holding Segments for Flexible Workpiece Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece holding devices for nesting machines require complex and costly vacuum distribution systems and protective plates, which reduce productivity and increase expenses due to the need for calibration and increased construction effort with larger table sizes.
Innovation Solution
A modular workpiece holding device with a support plate and distribution member featuring fluid channels and valves, allowing for adjustable vacuum levels and flexible configuration, eliminating the need for additional protective plates and simplifying construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an integrated vacuum distribution system with multiple zones is used on the clamping table, then the clamping can be adapted to different dimensions of workpieces, but the construction effort and device complexity increase due to the complex installation technology required for each zone
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping table is divided into multiple independent holding segments, each equipped with its own vacuum distribution system. This segmentation allows each module to be independently configured and assembled, reducing overall construction complexity while maintaining adaptability to different workpiece dimensions through selective module arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum distribution system incorporates individually controllable valves for each holding segment, enabling dynamic adjustment of vacuum application to match different workpiece configurations and table occupancy patterns, thereby adapting clamping to various workpiece dimensions without requiring complete system redesign.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective plate is arranged between the clamping table and the workpiece, then the milling tool can engage with the workpiece and the protective plate acts as a vacuum distribution system, but additional expense for procurement and handling is incurred and productivity is reduced due to required calibration processes
Solution Approach 1:
The protective plate is completely removed from the system. Instead, the holding segments themselves provide both the protective function and vacuum distribution capability through their integrated design with rubberised surfaces and embedded fluid channels, eliminating the need for separate protective plates and their associated calibration and handling costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding segments are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide workpiece support, create vacuum for clamping through their rubberised surfaces, and distribute vacuum through integrated fluid channels. This multi-functionality replaces the previous separate protective plate and vacuum distribution system, reducing complexity and improving productivity.
3Reliability
If the vacuum performance is configured to ensure 60% of nominal vacuum at all times for larger table sizes, then workpieces can be securely held, but the vacuum requirement increases proportionally with table size requiring higher power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
Each holding segment maintains vacuum independently through its own fluid channels and valves, allowing localized vacuum application only where workpieces are actually positioned. This eliminates the need to maintain vacuum across the entire large table surface, significantly reducing power consumption while ensuring secure holding at occupied locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts vacuum parameters by individually controlling valves in each holding segment based on actual workpiece placement and table occupancy. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain reliable clamping at occupied positions while minimizing vacuum generation and power consumption in unoccupied areas.
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 modular design enhances flexibility and reduces costs by allowing adaptive vacuum distribution and secure workpiece holding without additional protective plates, improving productivity and reducing expenses.
Implementation Method 1
an integrated vacuum distribution system is used on the clamping table, which system is divided into zones in order to supply vacuum to individual regions of the table
Implementation Method 2
a distribution member comprising at least one fluid channel, said distribution member being provided for fluid connection to at least one supply line
Implementation Method 3
The support plate comprises a rubberised surface
Data Source
AI summary
A holding segment for a workpiece holding device, includes: a support plate with openings, a distribution member including at least one fluid channel, the distribution member being provided for fluid connection to at least one supply line, a plurality of valves for fluidly connecting the fluid channel of the distribution member to the openings of the support plate, in which each of the valves can be separately turned on/off.