Offset Clamp Device for Interference-Free Workpiece Gripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamp devices interfere with workpieces having flange portions or multiple ribs, limiting their versatility and ability to clamp workpieces with varying shapes and structures, especially when the clamp main body clashes with the workpiece's receptacle portion or when manufacturing errors cause deviations in hole positions.
Innovation Solution
A clamp device featuring an annular grip member that expands radially, a tapered clamp rod, and a support mechanism, where the grip member, clamp rod, and support mechanism are positioned at one end of the main body member with an offset axis from the clamping fluid pressure cylinder, allowing for flexible positioning and interference-free clamping of workpieces with external circumferential flange portions or flat plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the grip member projects from the central portion of the upper end of the clamp main body, then the clamp device can clamp workpieces with holes at the center, but it cannot clamp workpieces with flange portions or ribs that interfere with the clamp main body
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a centralized clamping arrangement to a distributed arrangement where multiple grip members are positioned at different locations on the clamp main body. This spatial redistribution allows the clamp device to adapt to various workpiece geometries including flange portions and ribs, eliminating interference issues while maintaining clamping effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp main body is designed with multiple grip members that can be positioned to accommodate different workpiece types (flat plates, workpieces with flange portions, workpieces with ribs). This multi-functional design enables a single clamp device to handle diverse workpiece geometries without modification, significantly improving versatility.
2Reliability
If the clamp main body is positioned to surround the grip member, then the grip member can be properly supported, but the clamp main body interferes with workpieces having flange portions or multiple ribs
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp main body is segmented into multiple regions, each capable of supporting grip members at different positions. This segmentation allows the clamp device to adapt its configuration to match the specific geometry of the workpiece, providing reliable support for the grip members while avoiding interference with flange portions or ribs.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp device incorporates adjustable grip member positions that can be dynamically configured based on the workpiece geometry. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain reliable grip member support while accommodating various workpiece types including those with flange portions and multiple ribs.
3Device complexity
If the grip member and clamp rod are arranged with the same common axis as the clamping hydraulic cylinder, then the structure is simplified, but the clamp device cannot accommodate manufacturing errors in hole positions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces positional variability in the arrangement of grip members and clamp rods relative to the clamping hydraulic cylinder. By distributing grip members at different positions and allowing offset arrangements, the system gains the ability to accommodate manufacturing errors in hole positions while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.
4Volume of moving object
If the clamp device is designed for centralized clamping, then the structure is compact, but it cannot clamp workpieces with tight spaces between ribs or cylindrical apertures
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp device is segmented into multiple independent clamping units (grip members and clamp rods) that can be positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows individual units to access tight spaces between ribs or cylindrical apertures while the overall device maintains a compact form factor through efficient spatial arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention distributes clamping functions across multiple dimensions by positioning grip members at different locations on the clamp main body. This multi-dimensional arrangement enables access to tight spaces and complex geometries while maintaining a compact overall device size through optimized spatial configuration.
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 reliable clamping of various workpiece shapes and structures by preventing interference between the clamp main body and the workpiece, accommodating manufacturing errors in hole positions, and allowing clamping in tight spaces between ribs or cylindrical apertures, enhancing the device's versatility and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping fluid pressure cylinder capable of driving the grip member and the clamp rod forwards and backwards in the axial direction
Implementation Method 2
the grip member, the clamp rod, and the support mechanism are positioned at one end portion of the main body member, with an axis of the grip member and the clamp rod being offset from an axis of the clamping fluid pressure cylinder in a direction orthogonal to the clamp rod
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp device includes a support mechanism that supports a grip member when expanding the diameter thereof, a clamping hydraulic cylinder that can drive the grip member and a clamp rod axially forwards and backwards (up and down), and a main body member to which the grip member, the clamp rod, the support mechanism, and the clamping hydraulic cylinder are mounted, with the grip member, the clamp rod, and the support mechanism being positioned at one end portion of the body member, and with the common axis of the grip member and the clamp rod being offset from the axis of the clamping hydraulic cylinder in a direction orthogonal to the clamp rod.