Pneumatic Pallet Positioning Clamp With Fail-Safe Venting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Pneumatically-actuated positioning devices in machine tools and machining centers face issues with unreliable clamping due to human error or malfunctions during the introduction of pressurized air, posing safety risks, especially in high-speed machining processes.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatically-actuated positioning device with a safety system that includes second valve means to control a venting circuit, utilizing a movable flow control element actuated by elastic means and a presser to ensure clamping by preloaded springs, regardless of the pressurized air supply, ensuring automatic and reliable fixation of the pallet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pressurized air is introduced to actuate the positioning device, then the positioning device can be opened to release the pallet, but human error or malfunction may cause the pallet to not be correctly fixed, creating safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing a safety circuit that actively prevents the dangerous state of incomplete clamping. The system uses sensors to detect whether locking inserts are properly engaged with the centering pin, and the control unit prevents machine operation until proper clamping is confirmed. This preemptive measure counteracts the potential harm from human error in air supply sequencing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through sensors that monitor the position and engagement state of locking inserts with the centering pin. This feedback is transmitted to the control unit, which uses the information to determine whether clamping is sufficient before allowing machine operation. The feedback loop continuously verifies the clamping state and can trigger alarms or prevent operation if anomalies are detected.
2Device complexity
If manual air supply control is used, then the device is simpler to operate, but human error may cause incorrect air introduction direction, leading to safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives feedback from sensors monitoring the engagement state of locking inserts and uses this information to determine when clamping is sufficient. This feedback mechanism ensures that even with manual air supply control, the system can verify proper clamping and prevent operation under unsafe conditions, thereby maintaining high reliability without requiring complex automated air supply sequencing.
3Reliability
If automated air supply control is used, then human error is reduced, but system complexity increases and malfunctions may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensors to detect the engagement state of locking inserts with the centering pin, providing feedback to the control unit. This feedback system verifies proper clamping regardless of how air is supplied (manually or automatically), enabling the system to maintain high reliability while accommodating simpler air supply control mechanisms without requiring complex automated sequencing systems.
4Reliability
If continuous pressurized air supply is required for clamping, then reliable clamping is maintained, but compatibility with chip-forming machining processes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by ensuring that locking inserts are fully engaged with the centering pin before machining operations begin. The safety circuit verifies proper clamping in advance through sensor detection, allowing the machine to operate without continuous pressurized air supply during chip-forming processes. The preliminary verification ensures clamping stability is achieved before the machining process starts.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning device uses spring-loaded locking inserts that automatically engage with the centering pin when air pressure is applied, without requiring continuous air supply to maintain the clamped state. The mechanical spring force maintains the locking engagement, making the system self-sustaining after initial actuation. This self-service characteristic enables compatibility with chip-forming machining processes where continuous air supply is problematic.
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 ensures automatic and reliable clamping of the pallet, preventing safety risks by maintaining the locking inserts in a closed position even if there is human error or malfunction in the pressurized air supply, enhancing safety and reliability in machining processes.
Implementation Method 1
The locking inserts are actuated for closing by preloaded springs in order to engage for retention a corresponding centering pin
Implementation Method 2
actuated to open by a pneumatic cylinder in order to release the centering pin and therefore release the pallet
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A positioning device (10) for machine tools and machining centers, comprising - a body (12), locking means (32) supported by the body (12) so that they can move between a retention position and a release position in relation to a pallet (P). First elastic means (44, 45) actuate the locking means (32) toward the retention position. Pneumatic actuation means (14, 19) which can be supplied with pressurized air actuate the locking means (32) toward the release position in contrast with the first elastic means (44, 45). A venting circuit (S) discharges into the atmosphere, through a venting opening (70), the pressurized air fed to actuate the locking means (32) toward the release position. A movable flow control element (62) is actuated by second elastic means (64) toward a position for closing the venting circuit (S) and is functionally subjected to a presser (66) which is adapted to be engaged by the pallet (P), when the latter is arranged in the positioning device (10), in order to push the flow control element (62) toward an open position of the venting circuit (S) in contrast with the second elastic means (64).