Multi-Plate Clamping with Common Actuating Rod Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing workpiece clamping devices require sequential actuation of tightening devices, which can lead to incorrect positioning and increased operational effort, especially in confined machine tool environments.

Innovation Solution

A device with at least two clamping plates featuring coupled actuating rods that allow simultaneous actuation of tightening devices across both plates, ensuring synchronized clamping and precise positioning of workpieces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sequential actuation of tightening devices is used, then operational effort is increased and positioning accuracy deteriorates, but device complexity remains low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidoperational effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple actuating rods from different clamping plates are merged into a single common actuating rod that passes through all plates. This allows simultaneous actuation of all tightening devices across multiple clamping plates, ensuring synchronized clamping and precise positioning while reducing operational effort from one central location

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple clamping plates with separate tightening devices are used, then clamping capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The common actuating rod serves multiple functions simultaneously: it actuates tightening devices on multiple different clamping plates, provides synchronized control, and enables operation from a single location. This multi-functionality maintains clamping capability across multiple plates while reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If simultaneous actuation of tightening devices is implemented, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple separate actuating rods into one common actuating rod that passes through multiple clamping plates. This single rod provides simultaneous actuation of all tightening devices, ensuring positioning accuracy while actually reducing device complexity compared to having multiple separate actuation mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Ensures precise and efficient clamping of workpieces across multiple plates with reduced operational effort, particularly in restricted access areas, by synchronizing the tightening process.

Implementation Method 1

uses a wedge-shaped nose to push two further slides away from each other, perpendicular to it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWedge mechanism: Wedge

Implementation Method 2

A threaded spindle, centrally mounted in a bearing assembly, engages with both clamping jaws

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreaded engagement: Screw

Implementation Method 3

the two clamping jaws of which are individually mounted on separate, spaced-apart linear guides

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear guidance: Guided Rotor Compressor

Data Source

PatentEP4029645B1Clamping device
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 LANG TECHNIK GMBH
  • EP4029645B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4029645B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4029645B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An inventive device (10) for receiving at least one workpiece clamping device (11) has clamping plates (12, 13) with openings (14) to (17) for receiving the clamping bolts provided on the workpiece clamping devices. One or more tightening devices (24) are arranged in the clamping plates (12, 13), which can be actuated by an actuating rod (25). The actuating rod (25) is continuous or segmented and operates several tightening devices (24) of different clamping plates (12, 13) simultaneously. This measure allows workpiece clamping devices (11) to be clamped just as precisely across clamping plates as within a single clamping plate.