Radial Clamping Chuck for Precise Centering of Irregular Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices struggle to align and clamp objects with irregular shapes coaxially to the axis of rotation with high precision and simplicity, often requiring complex designs and numerous components.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a basic body having radial guides and inclined coupling surfaces, coupled to activation elements, allowing independent movement of clamping elements to align and secure objects with irregular cross sections, featuring a compact design and fewer components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a centring device is integrated in the clamping device to centre objects before clamping, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases and more components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the centring function and clamping function into a single integrated mechanism. The clamping elements are kinematically coupled through coupling elements so that they automatically centre the object during the clamping process itself, eliminating the need for a separate centring device. This combines multiple functions into one mechanism, reducing component count while maintaining positioning accuracy.
2Manufacturing precision
If a compensation mechanism with multiple rotating components is provided to centre objects with square cross section, then positioning accuracy is improved, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clamping mechanism into four independent clamping elements that can move individually along radial guides. Each clamping element is controlled by separate activation elements, allowing them to adapt to different object shapes. This segmentation enables precise positioning without requiring a large compensation mechanism with multiple rotating components.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping elements are designed to be dynamically adjustable with linear movement freedom along the guides. This dynamic capability allows the clamping elements to automatically adapt their positions to centre objects with various cross-sections during the clamping process, replacing the need for static compensation mechanisms with multiple rotating parts.
3Manufacturing precision
If four clamping jaws are kinematically coupled to centre objects with square cross section, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping elements serve multiple functions: they provide clamping force, enable centring through kinematic coupling, and adapt to different object shapes including square cross-sections. This multi-functionality is achieved through the coupling elements that kinematically link the clamping elements, allowing them to work together for both clamping and centring without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping device for clamping or gripping an object comprising a basic body which comprises an interface for the connection to a working or testing device, the basic body extending along a central axis and comprising at least four guides disposed opposite of each other in pairs which extend radial to the central axis, and at least four clamping elements respectively one of which, at least in portions, is introduced into a guide, the guide supporting and guiding the clamping element radial to the central axis with a linear degree or freedom, and the clamping element having at least one coupling surface which is oriented so that it is inclined with respect to the central axis.