Rotatable Clamp Elements for Precise Pin Alignment Without Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping systems for aligning and securing pins in imaging systems and other apparatuses often experience jamming issues due to the size mismatch between the pin and the clamp, which can lead to inaccurate alignment and require additional tools for alignment.
Innovation Solution
The use of rotatable clamping elements with a biasing device, such as a spring, that maintains a large opening relative to the pin's diameter, allowing for self-alignment and direct contact with the pin, reducing jamming and the need for external alignment tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a small opening clamp is used to match the pin size, then alignment precision is improved, but jamming risk increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp employs rotatable clamping elements that can dynamically adjust their position and orientation. The elements rotate about posts to transition from an open receiving position to a clamping position, allowing the opening size to adapt from large (for easy insertion) to small (for precise alignment), thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp changes the parameter of opening size through rotation of the clamping elements. The opening transitions from a large state during insertion to a reduced state during clamping, enabling both easy operation during insertion and precise alignment during the clamping phase
2Ease of operation
If a large opening clamp is used to facilitate pin insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping elements dynamically change the opening size through rotation. During insertion, the elements maintain a large opening for ease of operation. After pin insertion, the elements rotate to reduce the opening size, achieving precise alignment and secure clamping
3Device complexity
If fixed clamping elements are used, then device complexity is reduced, but alignment precision and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping elements are made rotatable about posts, introducing controlled movement to the otherwise simple clamp structure. This rotational capability enables the elements to adapt to the pin's position and achieve precise alignment without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable clamping elements enable self-alignment functionality. As the pin is inserted, the elements can rotate to accommodate the pin's position automatically, eliminating the need for external alignment tools or complex adjustment mechanisms
4Measurement precision
If rotatable clamping elements are used, then alignment precision and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable clamping elements provide the necessary adaptability for precise alignment while maintaining relatively simple construction. The elements rotate about fixed posts, which provides a straightforward mechanical implementation without requiring complex actuators or control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational movement of the clamping elements occurs automatically during the clamping process, enabling self-alignment without requiring external control mechanisms, sensors, or complex actuation systems, thus limiting the increase in device complexity
5Measurement precision
If a small opening clamp is used, then alignment precision is improved, but jamming risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping elements dynamically adjust the opening size during the clamping process. The opening starts large to prevent jamming during insertion, then reduces as the elements rotate into the clamping position, achieving precise alignment without maintaining a constantly small opening that would cause jamming
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
This solution provides accurate alignment and reduces jamming by allowing the clamping elements to rotate and adjust to the pin's position, ensuring precise contact and minimizing the likelihood of jamming during alignment and removal processes.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing device, such as a spring, can couple one of the clamping elements to the other clamping element. The biasing device can bias the clamping elements in a non-clamping relationship
Data Source
AI summary
An example damp can include a first post, a first clamping element rotatably oupled to the first post, a second post separate from the first post, a second clamping lement rotatably coupled to the second post, and a biasing device that couples the first lamping element to the second damping element.