Torque-Limiting Clamping Fixture for Precision Force Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Manual clamping fixtures lack precision in determining the magnitude of clamping force, leading to either inadequate clamping or potential damage to the object due to excessive force.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable torque clamping fixture with a threaded rod and an adjustable torsion handle that includes a grab handle, axial support spring, and an adjustment mechanism, allowing for precise control of the maximum clamping force by slippage prevention when the maximum torque is reached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual clamping fixture is used without force indication, then the structure is simple and easy to operate, but the clamping force magnitude cannot be determined, leading to unreliable clamping or potential damage to the object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a torque limit mechanism as an intermediary component between the operator and the clamping action. This mechanism includes a torque arm, spring, and release mechanism that mediates the force application, allowing the operator to apply force without directly controlling the clamping magnitude. The intermediary automatically limits the torque to prevent over-clamping while ensuring sufficient force for reliable clamping.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque limit mechanism is designed to automatically regulate the clamping force without requiring operator intervention or measurement. The spring-loaded torque arm self-adjusts to limit the maximum torque applied to the object, making the system self-regulating. The mechanism serves itself by using the applied torque to compress the spring and trigger the release mechanism when the limit is reached.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If no maximum force limit is set, then the operation is simple and fast, but excessive clamping force may damage the clamped object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-setting the maximum torque limit through the torque limit mechanism before the clamping operation begins. The spring is pre-compressed to a specific force that corresponds to the maximum safe clamping force. When the operator applies torque, the mechanism automatically counteracts any force exceeding this pre-set limit, preventing damage before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque limit mechanism acts as a cushioning element by incorporating a spring that absorbs excess torque energy. When the maximum clamping force is reached, the spring compresses to absorb the additional energy, preventing it from being transmitted to the clamped object. This beforehand cushioning protects the object from damage while allowing the operator to continue applying force without concern for over-tightening.
3Manufacturing precision
If a torque limiting mechanism is added to prevent excessive force, then precision clamping is achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limit mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a torque arm that senses the applied force, a spring that provides the limiting force, and a release mechanism that disengages when the limit is reached. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall design by breaking down the complex torque limiting function into manageable, modular elements that can be easily manufactured and assembled.
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
Enables precision clamping by preventing excessive force application, thus protecting the clamped object from damage while ensuring reliable clamping.
Implementation Method 1
the axial support spring is provided between the second end face teeth and the adjustment mechanism and are configured to for apply an spring force to the second end face teeth, the spring force causes the second end face teeth to contact the first end face teeth
Implementation Method 2
a first clamping body driven by a threaded rod and used for clamping an object, an axial movement of the threaded rod being realized by screw thread transmission
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an adjustable torque clamping fixture, including a clamping body driven by a threaded rod to move and used for clamping an object. The threaded rods implements an axial movement thereof by means of screw thread transmission. An adjustable torque handle is configured at the rear end of the threaded rod. The maximum clamping force is adjusted by the adjustable torque handle. When the maximum clamping force is attained, continued application of a torque on the threaded rod by the handle results in slippage, so that no larger clamping force can be applied, thus implementing precision clamping, and preventing the clamped object from being damaged by an excessive torque. The adjustable torque clamping fixture overcomes the shortcoming of a manual clamping fixture known to inventors of which the magnitude of the clamping force is difficult to determine during use.