Serrated Pallet Clamp Structure for Accurate Low-Profile Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pallet clamps face issues with positioning accuracy due to fitting gaps between positioning holes and pins, and require a larger space above the table, limiting the work area for machining.
Innovation Solution
A pallet clamp design featuring a clamp receiver and clamp with serrated surfaces that are press-fitted together using a biasing means, allowing for precise alignment and firm fixation with a simple and compact structure, enabling the pallet to be positioned lower on the table for a wider work area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If positioning holes and positioning pins are used for positioning, then the structure is simple, but fitting gaps occur between the positioning holes and positioning pins, reducing positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional positioning holes and pins with tapered cylindrical positioning structures. The tapered surfaces (conical geometry) of the positioning pins fit into corresponding tapered receiving seats on the table, eliminating fitting gaps through interference fit. This curved/tapered geometry enables precise positioning while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If tapered surfaces are fitted into receiving surfaces for positioning, then positioning accuracy improves, but a large space between the table and pallet is required, narrowing the work area
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered cylindrical positioning structures achieve accurate positioning through their conical geometry, allowing the pallet to be positioned lower on the table. The interference fit of the tapered surfaces provides precise positioning without requiring excessive clearance, thus expanding the available work area above the table.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional horizontal positioning methods to a vertical interference fit approach using tapered surfaces. By pressing the positioning pins into the receiving seats in the vertical direction, accurate positioning is achieved with minimal horizontal space requirements, enabling the pallet to sit lower and provide more work area.
3Area of stationary object
If a compact structure is used to lower the pallet position, then work area increases, but positioning accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered cylindrical positioning structures provide precise positioning through their conical geometry and interference fit mechanism. This allows the pallet to be positioned lower on the table, maximizing the work area, while the precise tapered surfaces ensure high positioning accuracy is maintained despite the compact configuration.
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 pallet clamp achieves highly accurate positioning and firm fixing of the pallet, providing a wider work area for machining while maintaining a low material cost and simple operation.
Implementation Method 1
The clamp receiver has, at the press-fitted portion, an abutted surface having serrations. The clamp has, at the press-fitted portion, an abutting surface having serrations, the abutting surface coming into tight contact with the abutted surface.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pallet clamp includes a clamp receiver 110 and a clamp 130. The clamp receiver 110 has an abutted surface 111 with serrations, whereas the clamp 130 has an abutting surface 132 with serrations. The clamp receiver 110 has both of a pressed surface 180 and a counter pressed surface 181 which face in directions perpendicular to the direction along the extension of the serrations. A biasing means 150 press-fits the clamp receiver 110 and the clamp 130 to each other so that the abutting surface 132 and the abutted surface 111 come into tight contact with each other, which causes the pressed surface 180 and the counter pressed surface 181 to be pressed in opposite directions.