Multi-Plane Bore Clamping for Stepped Workpieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices are unable to securely clamp workpieces with bores that have multiple sections with different inner diameters, such as steps or shoulders, as they rely on a consistent inner diameter for effective clamping.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with multiple clamping planes and levels, featuring internally displaceable clamping bodies and circumferentially distributed clamping elements that can move radially to accommodate varying diameters, allowing secure clamping over the entire length of the workpiece, including those with steps or shoulders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single clamping plane with uniform inner diameter is used, then the clamping device can securely clamp workpieces with consistent bore diameters, but it cannot clamp workpieces with multiple sections having different inner diameters (steps or shoulders)
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is divided into multiple clamping bodies (first and second clamping bodies) with multiple clamping planes, allowing each segment to independently adapt to different bore diameter sections of the workpiece. This segmentation enables the device to handle stepped bores by providing separate clamping zones at different radial positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane clamping mechanism to a multi-plane clamping mechanism along the axial dimension. By distributing clamping elements across multiple planes (first clamping plane, second clamping plane, etc.), the device can simultaneously engage with different diameter sections of stepped bores, adding dimensional capability to handle variable geometries.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple clamping bodies and clamping planes are introduced to accommodate varying diameters, then the device can securely clamp workpieces with steps or shoulders, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping bodies are arranged in a nested configuration where the first clamping body and second clamping body are positioned concentrically relative to each other, with clamping elements nested at different radial positions. This nesting allows multiple clamping functions to be integrated within a compact structure, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each clamping body is designed with universal functionality to clamp workpieces of different diameters through its multiple clamping planes. The first clamping body can operate independently or in combination with the second clamping body, allowing the same structural element to serve multiple clamping purposes across different workpiece sizes and geometries.
3Manufacturing precision
If clamping elements are distributed at different radial positions, then precise centering and distortion-free clamping can be achieved for workpieces with varying diameters, but the manufacturing and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Clamping elements are positioned at specific local radial positions corresponding to different clamping planes, with each position optimized for clamping specific diameter sections of the workpiece. This local quality approach ensures that each clamping element engages precisely at the required location, achieving accurate centering and distortion-free clamping while maintaining manufacturability through standardized element designs.
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 device ensures precise centering and distortion-free clamping of workpieces with varying diameters, enabling secure fastening of long workpieces on machines like lathes or milling machines, and can be adapted to different diameters through adjustable tension springs.
Implementation Method 1
the clamping elements being resiliently connected to one another by tension springs
Implementation Method 2
circumferentially distributed clamping elements which are resiliently connected to one another by tension springs
Implementation Method 3
the clamping elements can be moved in the radial direction... pressed radially outwards and can lie against the wall of the bore
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for clamping workpieces, comprising an end clamping body (3) at one end and an end clamping body (5) at the other end, and clamping elements (10) arranged circumferentially and resiliently connected to one another. At least one inner clamping body (4, 4', 4'') is arranged between the end clamping bodies (3, 5). The clamping bodies (3, 4, 5) have contact surfaces (6, 7, 8, 9) for the clamping elements (10) and are displaceable relative to one another on a longitudinal axis, so that the clamping elements (10) are movable in a radial direction. The clamping device has a plurality of different clamping planes (I, II, III, IV) formed by the circumferentially distributed clamping elements (10).The clamping elements (10) of the individual clamping levels I, II, III, IV allow the secure fastening of even long workpieces with a bore that may have several steps (13) or stages.