Vacuum Chuck Pallet Clamping for Fast Workpiece Changeover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping systems for machine tools require manual effort to secure and remove workpieces, leading to increased machining time and costs due to the need for manual fixing and releasing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A clamping system featuring a chuck and pallet with reference elements in X-, Y-, and Z-directions, utilizing a vacuum ejector to automatically secure and release workpieces, allowing for rapid and precise positioning and automated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual fixing means such as screws are used to secure the workpiece on the pallet, then the workpiece can be securely held during machining, but the mounting and dismounting process becomes time-consuming and requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical screw-fixing system with an automated vacuum suction system. The vacuum ejector creates negative pressure to hold the workpiece on the pallet, eliminating the need for manual screw operations while maintaining secure holding during machining. This substitution of mechanical fastening with vacuum field application resolves the contradiction between secure holding and fast mounting/dismounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a vacuum ejector that utilizes pneumatic principles to generate vacuum pressure for securing the workpiece. By applying pneumatic pressure differentials (vacuum) instead of mechanical screws, the system achieves both reliable workpiece holding and rapid automated mounting/dismounting, directly addressing the technical contradiction between security and speed.
2Reliability
If manual fixing and releasing operations are performed, then the workpiece can be securely mounted and dismounted, but the machine idle time increases due to manual work requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system enables self-service operation where the workpiece is automatically held and released by the vacuum field without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the vacuum ejector to both secure and release the workpiece through automated pressure control, eliminating idle time associated with manual operations while maintaining mounting security.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing manual mechanical operations with an automated vacuum system, the patent eliminates the time loss associated with manual fixing and releasing. The vacuum field can be rapidly applied and released through automated pressure control, significantly reducing machine idle time while ensuring secure workpiece mounting during the machining process.
3Productivity
If automated vacuum suction is used to hold the workpiece, then the mounting and dismounting process becomes fast and automated, but the system complexity increases due to the vacuum ejector and associated mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum ejector serves multiple functions: it secures the workpiece during machining, enables rapid automated mounting, and facilitates quick dismounting by pressure release. This multi-functionality justifies the added system complexity by consolidating multiple operations (holding, mounting, dismounting) into a single automated mechanism, improving overall productivity despite increased device complexity.
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 enables fast, secure, and automated mounting and demounting of workpieces, reducing machine idle times, increasing efficiency, and minimizing manual intervention, thus enhancing machining productivity and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The pallet includes a vacuum ejector to generate a vacuum and a pallet suction opening communicatively connected to the vacuum ejector for holding the object positioned on the pallet by the generated vacuum.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6a~6b
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a clamping system comprising a chuck and a pallet for mounting an object thereon. The chuck comprises a plurality of chuck reference elements in X-, Y- and Z-directions, wherein the pallet comprises a plurality of pallet reference elements in X-, Y- and Z directions, wherein a pallet locking mechanism is provided on the pallet and a chuck locking mechanism is provided on the chuck, wherein the pallet can be clamped to the chuck by interacting the pallet locking mechanism with the chuck locking mechanism, wherein when the pallet is clamped to the chuck, the pallet reference elements are aligned with the chuck reference elements in X-, Y- and Z-directions. The pallet includes a vacuum ejector to generate a vacuum and a pallet suction opening communicatively connected to the vacuum ejector for holding the object positioned on the pallet by the generated vacuum.