Rotary Axial Clamp Reduces Clamping Force via Rolling Contact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching heavy objects to positioners, such as pin and block techniques, face issues with high friction and the need for significant force to clamp and unclamp, especially when objects are heated during welding, leading to inefficiencies and potential binding.

Innovation Solution

A rotary actuated axial clamp system using rolling contacts between a primary and secondary fixture, with actuators to rotate the clamp between open and closed positions, reducing friction and allowing for easy attachment and detachment of heavy work pieces to positioners.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pin and block techniques are used to attach heavy objects to positioners, then the objects can be securely held, but high friction and significant clamping force are required, especially when objects are heated during welding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure holdingVSAvoidclamping force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional pin and block mechanical system with a rotary actuated axial clamp system that uses rolling contacts. This substitution reduces friction significantly and allows for easier attachment and detachment of heavy work pieces to positioners, while maintaining secure holding capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the friction parameter by transitioning from sliding contact (pin and block) to rolling contact (rotary clamp with rollers). This parameter change reduces the force required for clamping and unclamping by an order of magnitude, especially important when objects are heated during welding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If pin and block techniques are used to attach heavy objects, then secure attachment is achieved, but the system binds when objects are heated during welding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidoperation smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the pin and block mechanical system with a rotary actuated axial clamp system that uses rolling contacts. This substitution reduces friction significantly and allows for easier attachment and detachment of heavy work pieces to positioners, while maintaining secure holding capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary clamp mechanism allows for dynamic adjustment and rotation, enabling the system to accommodate thermal expansion and movement of heated objects without binding, while maintaining secure attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Weight of moving object

If traditional clamping methods are used for heavy objects exceeding 200,000 pounds, then the objects can be held, but the force required for clamping and unclamping is extremely high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvework piece weightVSAvoidclamping force

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary clamp mechanism incorporates curved and rotational surfaces that distribute forces more effectively, reducing the peak clamping force required to hold extremely heavy objects exceeding 200,000 pounds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 system significantly reduces the force required for clamping and unclamping by an order of magnitude, enabling efficient handling of large and heavy objects while maintaining stability and preventing binding, even when objects exceed 200,000 pounds.

Implementation Method 1

A rotary actuated axial clamp system using rolling contacts between a primary and secondary fixture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling contact: Roller

Implementation Method 2

reducing friction and allowing for easy attachment and detachment of heavy work pieces to positioners

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10369669B2Rotary actuated axial clamp

Publication Date: 2019.08.06 LINCOLN GLOBAL INC

AI summary

Disclosed is a rotary actuated axial clamp that includes a primary fixture, having a rotatable primary clamp, having primary clamp fingers that engage secondary clamp fingers on a stationary secondary clamp. The primary fixture is attached to a positioner, while the secondary fixture is attached to the work piece. Different secondary fixtures can be utilized to fit the shape and size of the work piece, while maintaining a secondary clamp that is able to engage the primary clamp of the primary fixture. The primary fixture can consequently be utilized with numerous different work pieces having different shapes and sizes by simply modifying a secondary fixture to adapt to the size and shape of the work piece. Roller engagement of the primary clamp and secondary clamp reduces the force required to clamp and unclamp the primary and secondary fixtures. This reduces problems associated with attaching a work piece to a positioner.