Pin Clamp Multi-Thickness Clamping Feature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pin clamps require frequent adjustments to accommodate varying sheet metal thicknesses, adding time and expense in manufacturing, especially when transitioning between different vehicle configurations that require stronger or thinner frames.
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 constant power application and enabling operation using an external mechanism, eliminating the need for readjustment between workpieces of different thicknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pin clamps are adjusted to accommodate varied thicknesses, then the clamp can hold workpieces of different thicknesses, but adjustment time and manufacturing expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pin clamp incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism that automatically adapts to different workpiece thicknesses. The finger assembly can move axially along the locating pin, and the spring mechanism provides continuous pressure adjustment, eliminating the need for manual repositioning between different thickness specifications
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded finger assembly automatically adjusts to the correct clamping position for each workpiece thickness. The spring force self-regulates the finger position, and the clamp maintains optimal clamping pressure without requiring operator intervention or manual adjustment between different workpiece specifications
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pin clamps are adjusted for different thicknesses, then the clamp can accommodate varied material, but manufacturing expense increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pin clamp is designed as a universal device that can handle multiple workpiece thicknesses within its design range. The adjustable finger assembly and spring mechanism provide multi-functionality, allowing a single clamp design to serve various thickness specifications without requiring multiple specialized clamp variants
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp utilizes variable spring pressure and adjustable finger position parameters to accommodate different workpiece thicknesses. By changing these parameters rather than the physical structure, the same clamp can be used across a range of thickness specifications, reducing manufacturing costs
3Manufacturing precision
If pin clamp uses internal lock to compensate for thickness variation, then clamping accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sequence cam acts as an intermediary element that translates the simple axial movement of the locating pin into the complex coordinated movements required for locking. The cam mechanism mediates between the drive linkage and the finger assembly, providing precise thickness compensation without requiring complex direct control
Data Source
AI summary
A pin clamp for clamping a workpiece includes a housing having a longitudinal axis and a locating pin extending through the housing. The locating pin is sized to be positioned within an opening of the workpiece. A finger is positioned adjacent to the locating pin and movable in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal axis to retain the workpiece on the locating pin. An exterior driving linkage is configured to move the locating pin in opposite directions along the longitudinal axis. A locking arrangement is carried by the housing. A sequence cam is connected with the exterior driving linkage thereby allowing axial movement of the exterior driving linkage to be converted into transverse movement of the sequence cam. The sequence cam includes an engagement surface which engages the locking arrangement to lock the locating pin and the finger against the workpiece upon retraction of the exterior driving linkage.