Multi-Stage Weld Nut Clamp with Radial Locking Balls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing part locating fixtures are typically limited to specific part sizes and shapes, requiring multiple fixtures for various manufacturing operations, and are not adaptable to hold weld nuts of different sizes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage tooling pin clamp with a housing and plunging pin mechanism that includes a locking ball ring assembly, actuating mechanism, and restoring mechanism, allowing the clamp to accommodate and securely hold weld nuts of different sizes through radial displacement and retraction of the locking balls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single clamp design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different weld nut sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed with multiple longitudinal stages having different internal diameters, allowing a single clamp to accommodate weld nuts of various sizes. Each stage can independently engage with locking balls to secure different weld nut dimensions, making the clamp universal for multiple applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp housing is divided into multiple longitudinal stages, each with a specific internal diameter tailored for different weld nut sizes. This segmentation allows independent engagement of locking balls at different stages, enabling the single clamp to handle multiple sizes without requiring multiple separate fixtures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple clamps are used for different weld nut sizes, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple clamp functions are merged into a single clamp by incorporating multiple longitudinal stages within one housing. Each stage can independently function to secure different weld nut sizes, combining what would traditionally require multiple separate clamps into one integrated device.
Solution Approach 2:
The single clamp performs multiple functions by accommodating different weld nut sizes through its multi-stage design, eliminating the need for multiple specialized clamps and reducing overall system complexity.
3Force
If locking balls are displaced radially outward, then holding force increases, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating mechanism operates periodically to displace locking balls radially outward only when needed for securing weld nuts. The restoring mechanism returns the balls to their original position when not in use, creating a periodic action that consumes energy only during active clamping operations rather than continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The restoring mechanism automatically returns the locking balls to their initial position using stored elastic energy from the spring, without requiring additional actuation energy. This self-service feature reduces energy consumption by eliminating the need for powered return motion.
4Speed
If locking balls are retracted radially inward, then release speed improves, but holding force decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ball mechanism operates in periodic cycles: displaced outward to provide holding force during clamping, and retracted inward to enable quick release. This periodic action allows the system to alternate between high force and high speed states as needed for different operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-based restoring mechanism automatically and rapidly returns the locking balls to their retracted position when actuation is released, providing fast release speed without requiring additional energy input. The elastic recovery ensures quick return motion while maintaining the ability to re-engage when needed.
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
Enables the secure holding and release of weld nuts of varying sizes using a single clamp, reducing the need for multiple fixtures and improving operational efficiency in manufacturing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a restoring mechanism in communication with the plunging pin configured to move the plunging pin toward the proximal end of the housing to allow the at least one locking ball ring assembly to retract radially inward to release the hold on the at least one weld nut when the actuating mechanism withdraws
Implementation Method 2
wherein the restoring mechanism is a compressed spring
Implementation Method 3
wherein the actuating mechanism is an electromagnetic actuator
Implementation Method 4
wherein the actuating mechanism is a pneumatic actuator
Implementation Method 5
a plunging pin disposed within the housing having a plurality of tapered surfaces configured to radially displace at least one locking ball ring assembly disposed in at least one of the plurality of longitudinal stages of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-stage tooling pin clamp capable of holding weld nuts of different sizes includes a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of longitudinal stages extending between the proximal and distal ends. A plunging pin within the housing and includes a plurality of tapered surfaces configured to radially displace at least one locking ball ring assembly disposed in at least one of the plurality of longitudinal stages of the housing. An actuating mechanism is in communication with the plunging pin configured to move the plunging pin toward the distal end of the housing to displace the at least one locking ball ring assembly radially outward to hold the weld nut, and a restoring mechanism in communication with the plunging pin configured to move the plunging pin toward the proximal end of the housing to release the hold on the weld nut.