Clamping Element for Scale Attachment with Dual Spring Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for clamping a scale to a mounting surface face challenges in consistently applying a perpendicular clamping force, leading to assembly errors and variability in attachment.
Innovation Solution
A clamping element with two spring elements, one applying a force in the direction of the mounting surface and another perpendicular to it, ensures reproducible attachment by adjusting the angle of the fastening section during screwing, allowing both forces to be applied simultaneously through a single fastening action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If spring-loaded clamps are used to push the scale to the mounting surface and clamp it perpendicularly, then the scale can be attached in two directions, but applying the perpendicular clamping force requires complex assembly devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate spring elements (first spring element for mounting surface direction, second spring element for perpendicular direction) into a single clamping element structure. Both spring elements are integrated into one component that is fastened to the carrier simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate assembly devices and reducing overall complexity while maintaining two-directional clamping capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping element is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both clamping functions (pushing to mounting surface and clamping perpendicularly) through its integrated spring elements. This universal design allows a single component to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate components and assembly steps.
2Force
If separate assembly devices are used to apply perpendicular clamping force, then the clamping force can be applied, but assembly errors and variability increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the application of both clamping forces into a single fastening action, the patent ensures that both spring elements are activated simultaneously and consistently. This eliminates variability introduced by separate assembly steps and ensures reproducible attachment without assembly errors.
3Ease of operation
If a single fastening action is used to apply both clamping forces, then assembly is simplified, but achieving consistent forces in two directions becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges both clamping force applications into one fastening action through the integrated clamping element with two spring elements. This ensures that both forces are applied simultaneously and consistently, maintaining reliability while simplifying assembly to a single operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements are pre-configured in the clamping element with predetermined force characteristics. When the single fastening action is performed, these pre-configured spring elements automatically generate the required clamping forces in their respective directions, ensuring consistency without requiring complex control mechanisms.
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 design allows for easy, reproducible, and error-reduced attachment of the scale to a carrier in two perpendicular directions, ensuring consistent clamping forces without requiring complex assembly devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring element (11), which is resilient in a first direction toward the mounting surface (31) and exerts the first clamping force F1 on the scale (2) during mounting
Implementation Method 2
a second spring element (12) which is resilient in a second direction towards the stop surface (32) and exerts the second clamping force F2 on the scale (2) when it is attached
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A scale (2) of a position-measuring device is attached to a support (3) by means of a clamping element (1). The clamping element (1) has a first spring arm (11) which pushes the scale (2) against an attachment surface (31) with a first clamping force (F1). The clamping element (1) has a second spring arm (12) which pushes the scale (2) with a second clamping force (F2) against a stop surface (32) running perpendicularly to the attachment surface (31). The first clamping force (F1) and the second clamping force (F2) are introduced together by the clamping element (1) being attached to the support (3).