Pin Clamp Assembly Linear Actuation Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pin clamp assemblies in robotic and manufacturing applications have complex operating mechanisms requiring bent rods and cams for controlling the extension and retraction of clamping fingers, which complicates the movement of locator pins.

Innovation Solution

A pin clamp assembly with a housing, actuating device, movable locating pin, and clamping mechanism where a linear movement from the actuator extends and retracts clamping fingers and drives the locator pin using a piston rod and annular flange, with an anti-rotation device to prevent rotation of the locator pin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If bent rods and cams are used to control the extension and retraction of clamping fingers, then the clamping mechanism can achieve the required movement, but the operating mechanism becomes very complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping finger movement controlVSAvoidoperating mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the complex bent rods and cams from the system, extracting only the essential linear actuation function. The simplified rod directly connects the actuator to the clamping fingers, eliminating unnecessary mechanical complexity while maintaining the required clamping motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical system of bent rods and cams with a simpler direct linear actuation mechanism. The actuator provides straightforward linear motion that directly drives the clamping fingers without requiring intermediate cam mechanisms or bent rod linkages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If a simple linear movement mechanism is used to extend and retract clamping fingers, then the operating mechanism is simplified, but the ability to drive the locator pin may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanism simplicityVSAvoidlocator pin driving capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the rod to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the actuator for the clamping fingers and the driver for the locator pin. This multi-functional rod eliminates the need for separate mechanisms while maintaining both clamping and positioning capabilities through its interaction with the enlarged bore portion and annular flange.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The rod with its annular flange is positioned within the enlarged bore portion of the locator pin, creating a nested arrangement. This allows the rod to drive the locator pin through direct contact while remaining contained within the locator pin structure, efficiently combining both functions in a compact configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS9770810B2Pin clamp

Publication Date: 2017.09.26 DE STA CO METALLERZEUGNISSE GMBH

AI summary

A pin clamp assembly has a housing, an actuating device and a movable locating pin. A clamping device is coupled with the actuating device to move within the locator pin. The clamping device includes a rod and a finger. The finger extends and retracts in and out of the locating pin to enable the locating pin and clamping device to be moved so that the clamping finger clamps a workpiece.