Omega-Shell Clamping Ring for Precise Radial Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices struggle to provide precise and repetitive holding of parts with ultra-precise manufacturing tolerances, as they are sensitive to machining disturbances and have limited elastic deformation capabilities, leading to non-reversibility or rupture.
Innovation Solution
A clamping ring and sleeve design featuring a series of adjacent cylindrical and/or pseudo-cylindrical elements with an omega-shaped base surface and 'shell' structure, allowing for radial deformation of up to 1-2% of the diameter, combined with a clamping device using a piston to exert radial and axial forces for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If clamping elements are made massive to ensure structural integrity, then strength is improved, but radial dimensional variation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping ring is divided into multiple independent clamping elements (6-12 elements) that can move radially relative to each other. Each element has a mass optimized for strength, while the segmented structure enables collective radial expansion of 1-2% of the ring diameter without requiring any single element to be excessively massive.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping elements are arranged in an annular configuration where each element fits within the overall ring structure. The elements can expand radially outward from the ring's center while maintaining their individual structural integrity, allowing the ring to achieve significant radial dimensional variation without compromising strength.
2Adaptability or versatility
If clamping segments are made independent to enable radial and axial movement, then adaptability is improved, but sensitivity to disturbances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
While individual clamping elements maintain independence for radial and axial movement, they are connected through the ring structure to form a unified clamping system. This merging provides mutual support among elements, reducing sensitivity to disturbances such as filings and dust while preserving the adaptability needed for precise workpiece positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Each clamping element has specific local properties optimized for its function: the external surface features gripping protrusions for radial engagement, while the base surface has an omega shape for axial positioning. This local differentiation allows each element to move independently when needed while maintaining overall system reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If clamping ring undergoes significant radial deformation to achieve precise positioning, then manufacturing precision is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping ring is designed as a dynamic structure where the piston applies radial force to expand the ring by 1-2% of its diameter. The multiple clamping elements distribute this deformation across their structures, allowing precise positioning through controlled radial expansion while each element remains within its elastic limit to maintain structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring's radial dimension is changed by 1-2% through controlled elastic deformation driven by piston pressure. This parameter change enables precise positioning of the workpiece while the material and structural design ensure that the deformation remains within elastic limits, preventing permanent damage or rupture.
4Strength
If clamping elements are linked together to form a ring, then structural integrity is improved, but radial deformation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is segmented into multiple independent clamping elements connected through the ring structure. This segmentation allows each element to deform radially independently while the overall ring structure maintains structural integrity through the coordinated movement of all elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping elements are made from material with optimized elastic properties that allow radial deformation of 1-2% of the ring diameter. The composite structure of multiple elements linked in an annular configuration provides both the structural integrity of a continuous ring and the radial deformation capability of individual flexible elements.
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 repetitive holding of parts with ultra-precise manufacturing tolerances by allowing significant radial deformation while maintaining elasticity, thus improving clamping precision and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a frustoconical head in abutment against a frustoconical internal surface of the clamping ring, control means being able to move this piston axially so as to exert on the internal surface of the clamping ring a radial force capable of deforming it radially
Implementation Method 2
its external surface is formed of a multiplicity of independent segments, or jaws, which are capable of moving on the one hand radially... so that its cylindrical part comes to be applied with force against the cylindrical part of the housing of the part, thus ensuring the blocking of the latter
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The present invention relates to a clamping and retaining ring (1) intended to be placed in a cylindrical housing (3) made in the base (5a) of a part (5) which is to be immobilized in relation to a body, this ring (1) being formed of a series of successive adjacent cylindrical and/or pseudo-cylindrical elements (7, 9) which are linked together and whose base surface is in the shape of an omega and thus comprises a vertex (7a, 9a) and two arms (7b, 7c), the vertices of these elements (7, 9) being alternately arranged on the outside and on the inside of the ring and forming respectively an external element (7) and an internal element (9). This clamping ring is characterized in that the arms (7b, 7c) connecting two adjacent elements are common and the external elements (7) and the internal elements (9) form "shells" whose thickness is between 10% and 25% of the width (a) of the vertices (7a) of the external elements (7).