Pin clamp assembly with independent finger actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pin clamp assemblies require significant movement and travel of the locating pin to extend and retract the finger, increasing operational time and space requirements, which is inefficient for assembly line operations.
Innovation Solution
A pin clamp assembly with a movable drive rod and cam system that allows the finger to extend and retract independently of the locating pin, using an actuator to move the drive rod and cam to extend the finger without moving the locating pin, and then retract the cam to allow the locating pin to move back, reducing the stroke length and operational time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locating pin is moved to extend and retract the finger, then the finger can be extended and retracted, but the locating pin requires substantial travel distance which increases operational time and space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the clamping mechanism into two independent movable components: the locating pin and the finger. The finger is made independently movable relative to the locating pin through a drive rod and cam mechanism, allowing the finger to extend and retract without requiring the locating pin to travel substantial distances. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling finger movement while minimizing locating pin travel.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a drive rod and cam mechanism as intermediary components between the actuator and the finger. These intermediaries translate the actuator's linear motion into finger extension/retraction motion without requiring the locating pin to move significantly. The cam mechanism specifically converts the drive rod's linear movement into the rotational motion needed to extend and retract the finger, eliminating the need for substantial locating pin travel.
2Ease of operation
If the locating pin travels a substantial distance to extend and retract the finger, then the finger can be positioned correctly, but the amount of room needed and the time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the movement functions between the locating pin and the finger, the invention allows the finger to achieve full positioning range through its own independent movement mechanism (drive rod and cam), while the locating pin remains relatively stationary. This eliminates the need for substantial locating pin travel and reduces the overall space requirements for the clamping operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic movement of the finger relative to the locating pin through the drive rod and cam mechanism. The finger can dynamically extend and retract along the locating pin's axis without requiring the locating pin itself to travel. This dynamic finger positioning capability achieves correct finger positioning while minimizing the space and area required for operation.
3Ease of operation
If the locating pin moves extensively to operate the finger, then the finger can extend and retract, but the productivity decreases due to increased operational time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the operational sequence by making the finger independently movable relative to the locating pin. This allows the finger to extend and retract quickly through its own drive mechanism without waiting for the locating pin to travel substantial distances. The actuator directly drives the finger via the drive rod and cam, creating a more efficient operational sequence that improves productivity while maintaining ease of finger movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive rod and cam mechanism serve as efficient intermediaries that directly translate actuator motion into finger movement. This intermediary system eliminates the need for the locating pin to travel extensively, reducing the total operational cycle time. The cam mechanism provides a mechanical advantage that allows for quick finger extension and retraction, thereby improving overall operational efficiency and productivity.
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
This design enables the finger to extend and retract without requiring substantial movement of the locating pin, reducing the operational time and space needed for clamping and releasing the workpiece, enhancing efficiency in assembly line operations.
Implementation Method 1
The cam is movable relative to the locating pin and the drive rod. Actuation of the actuator causes the drive rod to move which extends the finger without moving the locating pin. Continued retraction of the drive rod after the finger has extended causes the cam to move out from the slot in the body to allow the locating pin to retract.
Implementation Method 2
Actuation of the actuator causes the drive rod to move which extends the finger without moving the locating pin
Data Source
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AI summary
A pin clamp assembly having a body, a locating pin, an actuator, a drive rod, a cam, and a finger is provided. The locating pin is coupled to the body and movable between extended and retracted positions. The drive rod is movable relative to the locating pin. The cam is movable relative to the locating pin and the drive rod. The finger is coupled to the drive rod and movable between extended and retracted positions. Actuation of the actuator causes the drive rod to move which extends the finger without moving the locating pin. Also, continued retraction of the drive rod after the finger has extended causes the cam to move out from the slot in the body to allow the locating pin to retract.