Rotatable Clamp Device for Small Plate Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machining technologies face challenges in precisely clamping small dimension plates without interrupting the machining process, as suction cup devices are insufficient for small plates and mechanical clamping with brackets requires frequent adjustments, leading to inefficiencies and damage.
Innovation Solution
A clamp device with a base structure, lower and upper clamp elements, and a rotatable clamp element supporting unit that can detect the work head to avoid interference, allowing for precise mechanical clamping and continuous machining without interruptions, using a combination of vacuum and actuator-controlled mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If suction cup clamping devices are used, then clamping is simple and non-intrusive, but they cannot provide sufficient traction force for small dimension plates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp device is divided into separate upper and lower clamp elements that can independently position and clamp the plate. This segmentation allows the clamping force to be concentrated at specific points rather than distributed over a large area, providing sufficient traction for small plates while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The upper clamp element is made rotatable around the vertical clamping axis, allowing dynamic adjustment of the clamp position. This enables the work head to access the entire perimeter of small plates without requiring bracket repositioning, while the clamping force remains concentrated and effective
2Reliability
If mechanical clamping brackets are used, then sufficient clamping force is provided, but frequent repositioning is required during machining
Solution Approach 1:
The upper clamp element can rotate 360 degrees around the vertical clamping axis, allowing it to move out of the way when the work head needs to access different portions of the plate perimeter. This eliminates the need to reposition brackets during machining, maintaining continuous operation without time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The single clamp device serves multiple functions: providing concentrated clamping force like mechanical brackets, while also allowing peripheral access like suction cups. The rotatable upper clamp element universalizes the device's capability to handle both small and large plates without repositioning
3Manufacturing precision
If fixed mechanical clamps are used, then precise positioning is achieved, but the work head cannot access the entire plate perimeter
Solution Approach 1:
The upper clamp element rotates around the vertical clamping axis, allowing it to move from a fixed blocking position to various angular positions. This maintains precise positioning when clamping is needed while providing adaptability for the work head to access the entire plate perimeter during machining operations
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 precise clamping of small dimension plates during machining, allowing the work head to move freely around the perimeter without interference, improving efficiency and reducing machining time and damage.
Implementation Method 1
suction cup clamping devices... the traction force generated by the application of vacuum
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp device (1) for clamping a glass plate (L), a stone plate or a wood plate on a work surface (103) of a machining apparatus (100) comprises a base structure (2) which can be secured to the work surface (103) of the apparatus and a lower clamp element (4) and an upper clamp element (5) for clamping therebetween said plate (L), defining a clamping vertical axis (A), and movable relative to each other in the direction of said clamping vertical axis (A), between an opened inoperative position and a closed operative position in which the plate (L) is clamped. The lower clamp element (4) is carried by said base structure (2). The upper clamp element (5) is carried by a clamp element supporting unit (7) which is rotatably mounted on said base structure (2) around said vertical clamping axis (A). The clamp element supporting unit (7) is adapted to detect the presence of the work head (108) adjacent to it, and to make an oscillation movement around said vertical clamping axis (A) as the work head (108) proceeds around the plate (L) for machining the edge of the plate, so as to avoid interference with the work head (108).