Pneumatic Elastic-Jacket Clamp for Ground Drilling Carriages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ground drilling devices, particularly percussion drilling devices, face challenges in simply and effectively clamping elongated elements with cylindrical shapes during axial movement.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a pressure chamber with a flexible elastic jacket and a rigid counter-bearing, filled with a pressure medium such as compressed air, which forms a frictional connection with the element to be clamped, using radial force elements for a pressure-tight connection and allowing for adjustable clamping force and adaptability to various element sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a non-return device with two shoes and spring-loaded parallel guide rods is used for clamping, then the element can be locked, but the device design becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elastic jacket (flexible shell) that can be inflated with pressure medium to clamp the element. This single flexible component replaces the complex assembly of two shoes and spring-loaded guide rods, achieving reliable clamping while dramatically simplifying the device structure. The elastic jacket conforms to the element's cylindrical shape and provides uniform clamping force when pressurized.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a pressure chamber filled with compressible pressure medium (pneumatic system) to actuate the elastic jacket. By controlling the pressure medium, the clamping force can be adjusted and controlled, providing reliable locking while avoiding the mechanical complexity of spring-loaded mechanisms and multiple guide rods.
2Reliability
If multiple components are used for clamping, then the clamping function is achieved, but the number of assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple clamping components (shoes, guide rods, springs) into a single integrated elastic jacket structure. The jacket itself forms the pressure chamber when inflated, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets and guide structures. This consolidation reduces the number of assembly steps while maintaining the clamping function.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic jacket serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the clamping element, forms the pressure chamber boundary, provides the sealing surface, and distributes the clamping force uniformly. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and simplifies assembly compared to dedicated separate components for each function.
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
The solution provides a simple, efficient, and adaptable clamping mechanism that reduces the number of components and assembly time, enabling secure clamping of elongated cylindrical elements while allowing for flexible movement and varying clamping forces, suitable for diverse drilling applications.
Implementation Method 1
which forms a frictional connection with the element to be clamped
Implementation Method 2
The pressure chamber may be filled with a pressure medium, for example compressed air
Implementation Method 3
The pressure chamber comprises a flexible wall section with an elastic jacket
Data Source
AI summary
A device for clamping an element includes a pressure chamber having a flexible wall section with an elastic jacket and a rigid wall section that acts as a counter-bearing. The jacket is provided with a contact surface to connect with the element.