Self-Aligning Dual Cam Mounting for Balanced Hold-Down Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting systems require individual securing of locking shanks, leading to increased complexity, cost, and machining variations due to the need for close tolerance machining and multiple parts.
Innovation Solution
A dual cam system with self-aligning cams on plungers that engage separate pull-down studs, allowing for balanced hold-down forces and reduced manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for tight tolerance machining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual locking shanks are used in mounting systems, then the mounting system can secure workholding devices, but the complexity and cost increase due to requiring multiple parts and close tolerance machining
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking shanks into a single integrated plunger component that engages multiple studs simultaneously. This merging eliminates the need for separate locking shanks for each stud, reducing the number of parts while maintaining secure mounting through the unified plunger's engagement with multiple studs.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs locking, positioning, and clamping functions across multiple studs. This universal component replaces multiple specialized locking shanks, reducing complexity while maintaining the necessary mounting security through its ability to engage with multiple studs in a single operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If individual locking shanks with close tolerance machining are used, then mounting precision can be achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple locking functions into a single plunger component, the patent reduces the total number of precision-machined parts. The unified design allows for more economical manufacturing while maintaining mounting precision through the plunger's geometry and engagement features with the studs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the plunger and stud engagement features to achieve self-aligning characteristics. This allows the system to maintain mounting precision without requiring extremely tight tolerance machining, as the self-aligning geometry compensates for minor variations in manufacturing tolerances.
3Strength
If multiple locking shanks are used, then secure mounting can be achieved, but the number of parts and machining operations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple locking shanks into a single plunger that engages multiple studs simultaneously. This unified component maintains the necessary clamping force distribution across multiple engagement points while eliminating the need for separate machining and assembly operations for each individual locking shank, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency.
4Manufacturing precision
If close tolerance machining is required for locking shanks, then mounting accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the plunger and stud engagement features to create self-aligning characteristics. This design allows the system to achieve mounting accuracy without requiring extremely tight tolerance machining, as the self-aligning geometry naturally compensates for minor manufacturing variations, thereby reducing machining complexity.
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 dual cam system provides significant clamping forces to reduce machining variations, improves performance, and lowers costs by simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing the number of parts required.
Implementation Method 1
the side of each plunger has a pull down cam to provide a desired pull down action in relation to at least two studs
Implementation Method 2
The first and second mounting systems can include springs that can be compressed to allow movement of the plungers
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system having a dual plunger arrangement wherein the side of each plunger has a pull down cam to provide a desired pull down action in relation to at least two studs, the cams moving relative to one another and axially aligning relative to one another relative to the two axially spaced pull down studs to allow the plungers to provide a maximum hold down force for the two pull down studs, balance the hold down forces thereby maximizing performance and reducing unlocking forces.