Nested Clamp Structure for Precise Fragile Workpiece Fixturing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manufacturing systems face challenges in securely holding and precisely positioning larger and more fragile workpieces without damage, and in optimizing cycle times for processing and machining.
Innovation Solution
The development of a clamp system comprising a base portion with an outer cylindrical member and a grip portion with a cylindrical body, which can be positioned within the base internal cavity to securely retain workpieces, along with a clamp locator system that aids in precise positioning and fixing of the clamp on a CNC system platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fixturing components are used to hold larger and more fragile workpieces, then the workpieces can be securely held, but the workpieces may be damaged or distorted due to insufficient positioning precision and clamping force distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into separate modular components: a base portion with an outer cylindrical member, an inner cylindrical member, and a grip portion with a cylindrical body. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling precise positioning and distributed clamping force application that secures fragile workpieces without causing damage or distortion.
2Manufacturing precision
If fixturing components are precisely positioned to hold workpieces accurately, then manufacturing precision is improved, but cycle times for processing and machining increase due to time-consuming positioning and setup
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp components are designed with pre-configured positioning features including an annular first clamping surface on the outer cylindrical member and a radially overlapping second clamping surface on the grip portion. These preliminary positioning features enable rapid and accurate placement of workpieces without time-consuming adjustment, thereby maintaining high manufacturing precision while reducing cycle times.
3Force
If conventional clamps are used for larger workpieces, then the clamping force can be applied, but the positioning accuracy and clamping efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp employs a nested structure where the grip portion with its cylindrical body is positioned within the base portion containing the outer and inner cylindrical members. The cylindrical body is configured to surround the inner cylindrical member, creating a concentric nested arrangement. This nesting provides precise radial and axial positioning while maintaining effective clamping force application on larger workpieces.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp includes a base portion and a grip portion. The base portion has a base end. The base portion includes an outer cylindrical member disposed about a clamp center axis. The outer cylindrical member extends from the base end to an outer distal end. The outer distal end of the outer cylindrical member defines an annular first clamping surface disposed about the clamp center axis. The outer cylindrical member defines a base internal cavity extending from a base opening. The grip portion includes a cylindrical body and a grip member extending radially outward from the cylindrical body. The grip portion includes a second clamping surface. The cylindrical body is configured to be positioned within the base internal cavity of the base portion such that the second clamping surface of the grip portion radially overlaps the annular first clamping surface of the base portion.