Pin Clamp with Multi-Thickness Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pin clamps require frequent adjustments to accommodate varying workpiece thicknesses, especially in automobile manufacturing where different configurations necessitate stronger frames for electric vehicles, leading to increased manufacturing time and expense.
Innovation Solution
A pin clamp with an internal lock that compensates for up to 1.0 millimeters of material thickness variation, allowing it to securely hold panels of different thicknesses without play, and an exterior driving linkage for operation using an external mechanism, enabling clamping without constant power source application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pin clamps are adjusted to accommodate varying workpiece thicknesses, then the clamp can process different thicknesses, but the manufacturing time and expense increase due to frequent adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The pin clamp incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism that automatically adapts to different workpiece thicknesses. The finger assembly includes a spring-loaded finger that can move axially along the locating pin, allowing the clamping surface to self-adjust to various thicknesses without manual intervention. This dynamic system maintains constant clamping force across different thickness ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the clamping system by introducing a spring mechanism that provides variable clamping force. The spring constant and pre-load are designed to accommodate a range of thickness variations (up to 1.0 millimeter), allowing the system to adapt to different workpiece dimensions while maintaining effective clamping pressure without requiring manual readjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pin clamps are adjusted for different thicknesses, then they can hold various panels firmly, but the device complexity increases due to adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The pin clamp employs a self-adjusting mechanism where the spring-loaded finger automatically compensates for thickness variations. The spring force drives the finger to maintain contact with the workpiece surface, and the axial movement along the locating pin allows automatic adaptation to different thicknesses. This self-service system eliminates the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms while maintaining firm clamping on various panel thicknesses.
3Reliability
If pin clamps require constant power source connection to maintain clamping force, then they can hold workpieces securely, but the manufacturing process loses flexibility to move clamps along the assembly line
Solution Approach 1:
The pin clamp incorporates a spring-loaded finger that stores mechanical energy in advance. The spring is pre-compressed to provide sufficient clamping force throughout the workpiece processing cycle. This beforehand cushioning of mechanical energy allows the clamp to maintain secure holding of workpieces without requiring continuous power supply, enabling the clamp to be moved along the assembly line and reused for multiple workpieces.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pin clamp (2) for clamping a workpiece includes a housing (4) having a longitudinal axis and a locating pin (6) extending through the housing. The locating pin (6) is sized to be positioned within an opening of the workpiece. A finger (10) is positioned adjacent to the locating pin (6) and movable in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal axis to retain the workpiece on the locating pin (6). An exterior driving linkage (150) is configured to move the locating pin (6) in opposite directions along the longitudinal axis. A locking arrangement is carried by the housing. A sequence cam (54) is connected with the exterior driving linkage (150) thereby allowing axial movement of the exterior driving linkage (150) to be converted into transverse movement of the sequence cam. The sequence cam (54) includes an engagement surface which engages the locking arrangement to lock the locating pin (6) and the finger (10) against the workpiece upon retraction of the exterior driving linkage.