Spring-Loaded Wedge Workholding for Fail-Safe Workpiece Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workspace holding systems are inconvenient and pose safety risks due to the need for active engagement to secure workpieces, which can lead to operational failures and unintentional release.
Innovation Solution
A modular workpiece holding system featuring a baseplate with wedge pairs, where dynamic wedge assemblies are axially drawn towards the baseplate by a spring and piston assembly in the resting state to secure workpieces, and released via gas or hydraulic fluid in the active state, allowing secure holding without continuous active engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active engagement is required to hold workpieces, then secure holding is achieved, but the system becomes inconvenient to use
Solution Approach 1:
The system reverses the conventional approach by making secure holding the default state through spring-loaded dynamic wedge assemblies. Workpieces are automatically secured upon placement without requiring active engagement, and release only when gas or hydraulic fluid is applied. This inversion dramatically improves ease of operation while maintaining secure holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded dynamic wedge assemblies are pre-configured to automatically engage and secure workpieces as soon as they are placed on the baseplate. This preliminary action of automatic engagement eliminates the need for subsequent active engagement steps, making the system convenient to use while ensuring secure holding.
2Reliability
If spring members continuously press dynamic wedge assemblies against workpieces, then workpieces are securely held, but the system requires complex release mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses gas or hydraulic fluid applied through ports in the baseplate to release the spring-loaded dynamic wedge assemblies. The pneumatic or hydraulic pressure counteracts the spring force, allowing controlled release of workpieces. This approach provides a simple and reliable release mechanism that does not add significant complexity to the system.
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 system minimizes risk and inconvenience by securely holding workpieces in the resting state and releasing them when necessary, reducing the likelihood of operational failures and enhancing safety.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring member of the spring and piston assembly designed to draw the associated dynamic wedge assembly axially towards the baseplate member
Implementation Method 2
at least one or more of a gas and hydraulic fluid delivered by way of at least one port within the fixture base, the at least one or more of a gas and hydraulic fluid designed to fill the spring and piston assembly cavity at least partly, pushing, therefore, by way of a piston member of the spring and piston assembly, the dynamic wedge assembly axially outward from the baseplate
Data Source
AI summary
A modular workpiece holding system having a top portion of a baseplate member having at least one opposingly facing fixed wedge assembly and dynamic wedge assembly. The dynamic wedge assembly is operationally coupled to at least one spring and piston assembly adapted to draw the dynamic wedge assembly axially towards the baseplate member wherein the dynamic wedge assembly, when the workpiece holding system is in a resting state, imparts a transverse force onto a workpiece member, pressing the workpiece member against the fixed wedge assembly, securing the workpiece to the workpiece holding system. The spring member is releasable when one or more of a gas and hydraulic fluid used to push the dynamic wedge assembly outward is discharged from the spring and piston assembly cavity within the fixture base, whereupon the spring member is adapted to re-impart the traverse force of the resting state of the dynamic wedge assembly.