Pneumatic Wheel Clamping Head for Force-Free Shaft Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices for vehicle wheels require external force to connect the clamping head to the shaft, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a releasable connecting mechanism and an actuator that allows for connection to a counter-clamping piece without external force, enabling adjustable clamping force and simultaneous actuation of the connecting device and clamping action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a spring-loaded clamping element is used to clamp the workpiece, then the clamping force can be applied, but external force is required to press the clamping head against the workpiece for connecting the locking bolts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connection function and clamping function into a single integrated operation. The connecting device includes a connecting element that, when actuated, simultaneously achieves both the mechanical connection between clamping head and shaft and the application of clamping force to the workpiece. This eliminates the need for separate external force application and connection steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping head is designed to be self-sufficient in the connection process. The actuator applies force that serves dual purposes: securing the connecting element to the shaft and simultaneously actuating the clamping element to clamp the workpiece. The system uses its own internal actuator rather than requiring external force from the operator.
2Reliability
If external force is required to connect the clamping head to the shaft, then the connection can be secured, but the operation becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection securing function with the clamping function into a single actuated operation. The connecting element is designed so that the same force application that secures the connection also activates the clamping mechanism, achieving both reliability and efficiency simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of applying external force and securing connection separately is replaced by an automated actuator system. The actuator mechanically substitutes for the operator's force application, providing both the connection securing and clamping force application in a controlled, efficient manner.
3Reliability
If the clamping head is designed with locking bolts for connection, then secure attachment to the shaft is achieved, but additional external force is needed for actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking mechanism and clamping mechanism into an integrated system. The connecting element with locking bolts serves dual function: securing the clamping head to the shaft and simultaneously triggering the clamping action through the integrated force transmission path.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device is designed with multi-functionality. The same connecting element and actuator that provide secure attachment also provide the clamping force application. This universal design reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining secure attachment.
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
Enables secure clamping of workpieces without the need for external force, allowing for adjustable clamping force based on the workpiece and processing requirements, enhancing efficiency and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator applies force to the clamping element in a clamping direction relative to the connecting device
Implementation Method 2
a detachable connecting device for detachably connecting the clamping device to a counter-clamping element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
For clamping a vehicle wheel for vibratory finishing, the invention proposes a clamping device (1) with a pneumatic actuator (6) which both connects the clamping device (1) to a shaft in a working container of a vibratory finishing device and clamps the vehicle wheel against a support in the working container.