Automatic Clamping Device for Slab Material Using Single Suction Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clamping methods for rigid materials on machining machines are labor-intensive, require manual positioning of suction cups, and involve complex flexible pipe connections, leading to inefficiencies and potential malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
An automatic clamping device with a grid-patterned machining table and dual suction cups connected through a single air suction circuit, using shut-off valves and compression springs to simplify clamping and release processes, eliminating the need for flexible pipes and reducing operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual positioning of suction cups is used, then flexibility in positioning is achieved, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The machining table is segmented into a grid pattern with multiple through-holes arranged in rows and columns. This segmentation allows suction cups to be positioned at predetermined locations without manual intervention, as the grid structure automatically defines positioning points for the clamping devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic positioning of clamping devices through the grid-patterned table structure. The through-holes in the grid automatically guide and position the suction cups without requiring manual arrangement, making the system self-positioning and eliminating labor-intensive manual placement operations.
2Ease of operation
If multiple flexible pipes are used for connecting suction cups, then individual control is achieved, but system complexity and malfunction risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple flexible pipes that were previously used to connect individual suction cups are merged into a single rigid pipe system. The rigid pipe is positioned to simultaneously connect multiple suction cups to the vacuum source, eliminating the need for multiple separate flexible pipe connections while maintaining individual control through the grid positioning system.
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible pipe connections are replaced with a rigid pipe system. The rigid pipe structure provides stable, permanent connections between the vacuum source and multiple suction cups, eliminating the complexity and potential malfunctions associated with multiple flexible pipe connections while maintaining the necessary control capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If multiple suction circuits are used, then independent clamping control is achieved, but system complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple independent suction circuits are merged into a single unified suction circuit. The single circuit serves all suction cups through the rigid pipe system, eliminating the need for multiple separate circuits while maintaining the ability to control individual suction cups through the grid positioning and valve system.
Solution Approach 2:
The single suction circuit is designed to serve multiple functions by connecting to all suction cups through the grid-patterned table. This universal circuit can control all clamping devices simultaneously or individually, providing multi-functionality without requiring multiple separate circuits, thereby reducing setup time and system complexity.
4Reliability
If permanent rigid pipe connections are used, then system reliability is improved, but adaptability to different slab configurations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid pipe system is segmented into multiple connection points distributed across the table according to the grid pattern. This segmentation allows the single rigid pipe to connect to different suction cups based on the specific slab configuration, providing both structural stability and adaptability to various slab shapes and sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
While the rigid pipe structure itself is static and stable, the system achieves dynamics through the selective activation of different suction cups connected to the rigid pipe. The grid-patterned connection points allow the system to adapt to different slab configurations by engaging only the necessary suction cups, combining structural reliability with operational versatility.
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 significantly reduces clamping and release times, simplifies operations, and allows for machining of various slab shapes and sizes, enhancing efficiency and reliability by using a single suction circuit and automated handling of clamping devices.
Implementation Method 1
clamping is usually performed by means of vacuum (suction cup) devices
Implementation Method 2
activating the suction circuit so that a vacuum is created inside the suction cups such as to clamp and hold the slab
Implementation Method 3
cylindrical chamber which houses a piston pushed by a compression spring
Implementation Method 4
piston pushed by a compression spring towards the position in which said stem fully projects from the contour of the suction cup
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic clamping device for clamping a slab (90) of rigid material onto the worktable (18) of an operating machine comprises a central body (42) terminating at both ends in a bottom cavity (72) and a top cavity (77) each having a suction cup function and being intended to engage, respectively, with the table (18) and the slab (90). The bottom cavity (72) is designed to engage with a through-hole. (30) formed in the thickness of said table (18) and communicating with an air suction duct (26, 28) in turn connected to an air suction source, so as to form a single air suction circuit, the through-hole (30) being associated with shut off valve (32) and closing member 36 for interrupting communication between the cavity (72) and the suction source. The central body (42) also has, formed therein, an inner cylindrical chamber (56) housing a piston (58) associated with a stem (60) acting as a closing member movable, together with the piston (58), between a first position where it prevents fluid communication between the bottom cavity (72) and die top cavity (77) and a second position where it allows said communication with the sole air suction circuit, causing clamping, via the suction cup effect, of the slab (90) to die central body (42) of the automatic clamping device (40).