Retracting Mandrel for Transverse Workpiece Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mandrel arrangements often obstruct workpiece movement when transport is required transverse to the mandrel axis, especially in applications lacking axial lifting capabilities due to space constraints or cost considerations, necessitating alternative clamping solutions for precise positioning and handling.
Innovation Solution
A mandrel arrangement featuring a base plate with a recess for the mandrel to retract into, allowing the workpiece to be moved transversely without axial lifting, utilizing an actuator and elastic elements for clamping and releasing, enabling secure clamping and efficient repositioning or unloading without obstructing workpiece displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the mandrel remains in the axial position during clamping, then precise axial positioning is achieved, but the mandrel obstructs workpiece movement when transverse transport is required
Solution Approach 1:
The mandrel is designed to be movable along the actuating axis, transitioning between a retracted position (allowing transverse workpiece transport) and a clamping position (providing precise axial positioning). This dynamic repositioning capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its function based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution introduces motion along the axial dimension (perpendicular to the workpiece transport direction) to resolve the conflict. By moving the mandrel along the actuating axis rather than maintaining a fixed position, the system enables transverse transport while preserving axial positioning precision when needed.
2Ease of operation
If axial lifting mechanisms are added to enable workpiece removal, then workpiece handling is improved, but space requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the lifting function from a separate axial lifting mechanism and integrates it into the mandrel's axial movement capability. The mandrel itself performs the lifting action when moving between retracted and clamping positions, eliminating the need for additional lifting devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The mandrel is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides radial expansion for clamping, axial movement for positioning, and simultaneous lifting of the workpiece during position transitions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated lifting mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the mandrel is expanded radially to clamp the workpiece, then workpiece securing is achieved, but the workpiece cannot be moved transversely
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between clamping mode (radial expansion with axial positioning) and transport mode (mandrel retraction allowing transverse movement). The mandrel moves axially to create clearance for transverse transport while maintaining workpiece securing through coordinated radial expansion and axial positioning.
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
Facilitates efficient transverse workpiece transport and reduced space requirements for machining or measuring stations, ensuring precise and reliable clamping and handling, both manually and automatically, without the need for additional lifting mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic element with which the mandrel is pre-tensioned relative to the counter bearing away from the counter bearing in the opposite direction of clamping
Implementation Method 2
the mandrel can be expanded by a relative movement of the expanding element relative to the mandrel along a clamping direction parallel to the actuating axis
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 4
AI summary
A mandrel arrangement (1) for clamping a workpiece (9), comprising - an expandable mandrel (6) for engagement in a recess (23;36) of the workpiece (9), - a counter bearing (4) for direct or indirect contact of the workpiece (9), - an actuator (7) movable relative to the mandrel (6) along an actuating axis (BA) with an expanding element (15), wherein the mandrel (6) can be expanded by a relative movement of the expanding element (15) relative to the mandrel (6) along a clamping direction (VR) parallel to the actuating axis (BA), and wherein the mandrel (6) is movable relative to the counter bearing (4) along the actuating axis (BA), and - a first elastic element (14) with which the mandrel (6) is pre-tensioned relative to the counter bearing (4) away from the counter bearing (4) in the opposite direction of clamping (VR), is characterized in that a base plate (8) is provided on which a front bearing (12) for contact of the workpiece (9) and a rear bearing (24) for contact of the counter bearing are located. (4) is designed such that the base plate (8) has a recess (11;30) is formed, into which the clamping mandrel (6) can be completely retracted along the actuating axis (BA) to behind the front bearing (12) in the recess (11; 30), and that a clamping device (2) is provided by means of which the actuator (7) can be moved along the clamping direction (VR) towards the counter bearing (4) and towards the base plate (8). The invention presents a clamping mandrel arrangement that can be well utilized with a workpiece transport transverse to the axis of the clamping mandrel.