Tapered Engagement Work Pallet Fixing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work pallet positioning and fixing devices require complex structures with many components, leading to high manufacturing costs, accuracy issues due to wear and tear, and difficulties in supporting the central portion of the pallet, while also being bulky and prone to elastic deformation.
Innovation Solution
A work pallet positioning and fixing device featuring a ring member and base member with integrally formed tapered male and female engagement portions, allowing for two-directional restraint and rotational fixation without movable parts, using a hydraulic cylinder and ball lock mechanism for clamping, and incorporating elastic deformation promoting features to enhance accuracy and reduce manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If four clamp mechanisms and two sets of positioning mechanisms are provided to position and fix the work pallet, then the work pallet can be positioned and fixed in the vertical and horizontal directions, but the overall number of components increases and the structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple positioning and clamping functions into a single integrated base member structure. The base member includes a recess portion that receives the work pallet and positioning protrusions that engage with corresponding recesses on the pallet, eliminating the need for separate clamp mechanisms and positioning mechanisms. This merging of functions reduces component count while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The base member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides positioning references for the work pallet, acts as a clamping structure through its recess portion, and includes drainage holes for fluid management. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity while achieving the required positioning and fixing capabilities.
2Manufacturing precision
If four clamp mechanisms are provided to support and fix the work pallet at four locations, then the work pallet can be positioned in the vertical and horizontal directions, but the central portion of the work pallet cannot be supported and elastic deformation easily occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The base member features a recess portion with specific local geometry that conforms to the work pallet's configuration. The recess includes positioning protrusions at strategic locations that provide localized support exactly where needed on the pallet, including central support areas. This localized quality enhancement prevents elastic deformation while maintaining positioning accuracy.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact work pallet is used, then space is saved, but sufficient space for installation of four clamp mechanisms cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The base member integrates the clamping structure directly into its recess portion, eliminating the need for separate clamp mechanisms that would require additional installation space. The positioning protrusions and recesses are designed to work together within the compact pallet footprint, enabling compact design without sacrificing positioning functionality.
4Ease of operation
If multiple movable parts are used in the positioning and clamping mechanisms, then adjustment and operation are possible, but wear and tear increases and accuracy deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes movable parts from the positioning and clamping system. The base member and work pallet use fixed positioning protrusions and recesses that engage directly without movable components. The clamping action is achieved through the rigid structure of the base member recess rather than through movable clamps, eliminating wear and tear while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning protrusions and recesses are designed to self-align and self-lock when the work pallet is placed in the base member. The rigid structural engagement provides automatic positioning and clamping without requiring adjustable movable parts, improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation through simple load-and-lock functionality.
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 device achieves high accuracy in positioning and rotational restraint with reduced manufacturing costs and complexity, while minimizing elastic deformation and wear, allowing for precise engagement without delicate adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The tapered female engagement portion engages in close contact to the tapered male engagement portion, via elastic deformation of the external circumferential side wall portion of the tapered female engagement portion in the direction to increase its radius
Implementation Method 2
a clamp mechanism that includes a hydraulic cylinder for clamping and a ball lock mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
This positioning and fixing device (2) positions a work pallet (1) in the vertical and horizontal directions relative to a base member (6) via a ring member (4), and also restricts its rotation around the vertical axis. The base member (6) has Z reference surfaces (10) that can stop a lower end reference surface (9) of the ring member (4) and position it in the vertical direction, and a tapered male engagement portion (11) whose horizontal cross section is formed as a regular polygon having a plurality of outwardly convex circular arcuate vertex portions (11a) and a plurality of side portions (11b), and that reduces in diameter upwards. The ring member (4) has a tapered female engagement portion (13) that can engage with the tapered male engagement portion (11) so that its lower end reference surface is in contact against the Z reference surfaces. A clamp mechanism (18) for fixing the ring member (4) to the base member (6) is provided, and the side portions of at least one of the tapered female engagement portion and the tapered male engagement portion are adapted to engage in close contact with the other via elastic deformation.