Synchronized Pallet Clamp Jaws for Repeatable Small-Part Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping systems for small parts on pallets in conveyor systems lack stability and repeatability, often leading to parts dropping or being ejected due to inversion or high-speed movement, and require external power sources like batteries or reservoirs.
Innovation Solution
A self-clamping collet with synchronized jaws and a cam-actuated mechanism that uses external actuators to securely grip and release parts, ensuring repeatable positioning without external power, using 3D printed parts for durability and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring loaded clamp button is used to hold parts, then the part can be released when the button is pushed, but the part is dragged laterally and positioned with poor repeatability
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is divided into two independent jaws that can be actuated separately. Each jaw has its own actuator that can be controlled independently, allowing precise control over when each jaw engages and disengages. This segmentation enables the part to be released cleanly without lateral dragging, as each jaw can be opened independently at the optimal moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static friction-based hold to a dynamic controlled-release mechanism. The jaws are held in position by controlled friction during conveyance, then dynamically released by actuator-driven opening when needed. This dynamic control allows the part to be released without lateral movement, improving positioning repeatability while maintaining ease of operation.
2Device complexity
If a one-sided clamp solution is used, then the structure is simple, but heavier parts drop out when the pallet is inverted
Solution Approach 1:
The two jaws are designed with asymmetric gripping characteristics tailored to the specific part geometry. Each jaw has optimized contact surfaces and actuation forces that work together to provide reliable retention regardless of pallet orientation. This asymmetric design ensures that heavier parts remain securely held even when the pallet is inverted, while maintaining relatively simple individual jaw structures.
3Ease of operation
If friction-based clamping is used, then the part can be held during conveyance, but the friction is overcome during high-speed conveyor corners causing part ejection
Solution Approach 1:
The jaws are positioned and engaged in advance before high-speed cornering occurs. The actuators are controlled to ensure the jaws are fully engaged and gripping the part securely before the conveyor enters high-speed cornering conditions. This preliminary action ensures that the gripping force is already maximized when the inertial forces during cornering would otherwise overcome friction-based holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the gripping force applied by each jaw based on conveyor conditions. During high-speed cornering, the actuators increase the clamping force to compensate for the reduced effective friction, preventing part ejection. This dynamic adjustment maintains ease of operation during normal conveyance while ensuring reliability during high-speed movement and cornering.
4Measurement precision
If electric sensors or pneumatic cylinders are added to the pallet for automated assistance, then positional knowledge is improved, but the pallet requires additional power sources like batteries or reservoir tanks
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping system is designed to be self-actuating through the cam mechanism that automatically opens and closes the jaws based on part insertion and removal. The centering spring automatically centers the part in the jaws without requiring external power or control systems. This self-service approach provides reliable part holding and release without adding batteries, reservoirs, or complex control systems to the pallet.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces electronic sensors and pneumatic cylinders with a purely mechanical cam-actuated jaw mechanism. The cam profile is designed to automatically provide the necessary actuation forces and timing for jaw opening and closing based on the physical insertion and removal of parts. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for external power sources while maintaining precise control over the clamping operation.
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
Provides stable and precise clamping of small parts on pallets, allowing for repeatable processing and assembly operations, even in hazardous environments, without the need for external power sources.
Implementation Method 1
a cam off the pallet, comprising a cam shaft that drives a cam face into the rollers to actuate the two grippers
Implementation Method 2
a centering spring that compresses to put pressure against the other of the opposing jaws
Implementation Method 3
a jaw base. The jaw base may include: gearing that synchronizes actuation of the opposing jaws; and a roller distal from the gripper
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system and method for providing a clamping system for a part associated with a pallet. The apparatus, system and method may include: two opposing jaws on the pallet, each comprising a gripper for gripping the part, and a jaw base. The jaw base may include: gearing that synchronizes actuation of the opposing jaws; and a roller distal from the gripper. The part-clamp may also include: a centering spring that compresses to put pressure against the other of the opposing jaws; and a cam off the pallet, comprising a cam shaft that drives a cam face into the rollers to actuate the two grippers.