Reconfigurable Clamping System With Inflatable Bladder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping systems are limited in their adaptability to workpieces with varying configurations, requiring custom-made components for each specific workpiece, which increases costs and reduces versatility.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable clamping system featuring a flexible retention assembly with pivotally connected Z-shaped links, a locking mechanism using spline gears, and an inflatable bladder that can be easily adjusted to match the shape of different workpieces, allowing for quick reconfiguration without specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If custom-made clamping components are used for each specific workpiece configuration, then the clamping precision and fit are improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retention assembly is divided into multiple individual links that can pivot independently relative to each other. Each link can be adjusted to match the contour of the workpiece, allowing the entire assembly to conform to various configurations without requiring custom-made components for each workpiece type.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention assembly transitions from a rigid, fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable structure. The pivotally connected links allow the assembly to be reconfigured between different workpiece configurations, providing adaptability while maintaining structural integrity when locked in place.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom-made clamping components are fabricated for each workpiece configuration, then the adaptability to specific workpiece shapes is improved, but the production time and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single retention assembly design with pivotally connected links can serve multiple workpiece configurations. The same assembly can be reconfigured to clamp different shapes and sizes of workpieces, eliminating the need to fabricate custom components for each configuration and reducing production time.
3Strength
If rigid retaining bars are used to clamp workpieces, then the structural strength and clamping force are improved, but the adaptability to varying workpiece contours deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid retaining bar is segmented into multiple pivotally connected links. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain strength through the interconnected links while gaining the flexibility to adapt to varying workpiece contours by adjusting the angle of each link relative to its neighbors.
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 with diverse configurations, reducing the need for custom-made components and lowering production costs while maintaining effective clamping force across various manufacturing operations, including high-temperature processes.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable bladder positioned between the retention assembly and the workpiece for applying a clamping force to the workpiece
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable clamping system is disclosed. An example clamping system for securing a workpiece comprises a retention assembly and an inflatable bladder. The retention assembly comprises a plurality of links, each pair of adjacent links having a pivotal connection to enable the retention assembly to be configured to the general shape of a workpiece, and each pair of adjacent links having a locking mechanism to selectively lock an angular relationship between the pair. The inflatable bladder is coupled between the retention assembly and the workpiece and is to apply a clamping force to the workpiece.