Pin Clamp Assembly Simplification via Single Cam Pin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pin clamps are complex and inflexible, requiring multiple cam followers and fasteners, which limits their adaptability and tolerance, and they lack mechanisms for easy disassembly and adaptation to different work piece shapes or sizes, especially in assembly line applications where fluid power loss can hinder operation.
Innovation Solution
A pin clamp assembly featuring a housing, a locating pin, a twist pin, and a single cam pin with longitudinally extending cavities and slots, allowing for linear reciprocal movement and rotation, along with a locking mechanism using wedging surfaces and a bias member, and adjustable shims for collaring the locating pin, enabling precise alignment and easy disassembly without fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cam followers and fasteners are used in conventional pin clamps, then the gripping function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes multiple cam followers and fasteners from the conventional pin clamp design, retaining only a single cam pin that performs multiple functions. This extraction of unnecessary components directly reduces device complexity while maintaining the gripping function through the simplified single-cam mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cam pin in the patent serves multiple functions that were previously distributed across multiple components: it provides cam action for finger movement, acts as a locating element, and enables adaptability through its interaction with the twist pin. This multi-functionality reduces component count and increases design flexibility.
2Manufacturing precision
If specially made cam followers are used with limited tolerances, then precise finger movement is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, precision-machined cam followers with a simple, inexpensive dowel pin that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. This dowel pin approach significantly reduces manufacturing precision requirements and production costs while maintaining functional performance.
3Reliability
If a single dowel is used instead of multiple cam followers, then wear on cams is reduced and alignment is improved, but the gripping mechanism simplicity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the unnecessary complexity of multiple cam followers, retaining only the essential single dowel pin function. This removal of redundant components reduces wear on cams by eliminating multiple contact points and simplifies the gripping mechanism while maintaining or improving alignment precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complicated pin clamp designs are used, then gripping function is achieved, but adaptability to additional functions is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pin clamp into modular components (housing, single cam pin, twist pin, fingers) that can be independently configured or modified. This modular segmentation enables easy adaptation to additional functions on assembly lines without requiring complete redesign of the entire mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic elements such as the twist pin that can rotate and the fingers that can pivot, allowing the mechanism to adapt to different work conditions and additional functions. This dynamic capability provides versatility without requiring multiple fixed configurations.
5Reliability
If unlocking mechanisms are added for fluid power loss, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring-loaded unlocking mechanism that automatically activates when fluid power is lost, without requiring external control systems or complex sensing. The spring automatically pushes the cam pin out of engagement with the twist pin, causing fingers to open and release the workpiece, providing fail-safe operation with minimal added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A pin clamp assembly is provided which includes a housing, a locating pin, a body, a twist pin, and a cam pin. The locating pin extends from the body. Both the body and the locating pin include longitudinally extending cavities contiguously disposed therein. The body also includes a longitudinally extending slot. At least a portion of the locating pin and the body is located in a bore disposed through the housing. The twist pin is disposed in the longitudinally extending cavities of the locating pin and body. The twist pin includes a longitudinally extending arcuate slot. The cam pin is coupled to the housing. The cam pin engages the slot. An electrical driven actuator includes an electric motor that rotates to move the locating pin linearly to rotate the twist pin.