Vacuum Workpiece Clamping with Variable Suction Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece fastening devices for processing, such as grinding machines, face challenges in securely fixing smaller workpieces due to insufficient suction openings, leading to high vacuum losses and increased setup costs and times when trying to accommodate mixed sizes.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece fastening device with a support device featuring multiple fastening areas and adjustable suction profiles, including a slide device that varies channel profiles and vacuum chamber volumes based on workpiece size, allowing for optimal suction and minimizing losses, enabling efficient processing of workpieces of different sizes without lengthy setup times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the support device uses a fixed number of suction openings, then the structure is simple, but smaller workpieces cannot be securely fixed due to insufficient suction openings
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is divided into multiple independent suction units, each with its own suction openings and vacuum chamber. This segmentation allows different numbers and configurations of suction openings to be engaged depending on workpiece size, enabling adaptability without requiring complete structural redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device incorporates movable components that allow the number and arrangement of engaged suction openings to be dynamically adjusted based on workpiece dimensions. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same device to securely fix both small and large workpieces by optimizing suction opening engagement.
2Loss of energy
If the support device has fixed vacuum chamber volume, then the structure is simple, but vacuum losses increase when processing smaller workpieces that cover fewer suction openings
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system is segmented into multiple vacuum chambers corresponding to different suction units. This allows the vacuum volume to be effectively reduced when processing smaller workpieces by engaging fewer suction units, thereby minimizing vacuum losses without requiring complex variable volume mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The effective vacuum chamber volume is changed by selectively engaging different numbers of suction units based on workpiece size. This parameter change optimizes the vacuum-to-workpiece ratio, reducing energy losses when processing smaller workpieces while maintaining sufficient vacuum for larger workpieces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If workpiece holders are used to accommodate smaller workpieces, then small workpieces can be securely fixed, but only small or only large workpieces can be processed and mixed operation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is designed as a universal fixture that can securely hold both small and large workpieces using the same basic structure. By incorporating multiple adjustable suction units with variable suction opening configurations, the device eliminates the need for different specialized holders for different workpiece sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow the suction opening configuration to be adapted in real-time based on workpiece dimensions. This enables mixed operation of different workpiece sizes without requiring physical replacement of holders or lengthy setup procedures.
4Productivity
If the support device uses fixed suction opening configuration, then the device is simple to operate, but setup times increase when trying to accommodate different workpiece sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is pre-configured with multiple suction units having different numbers and arrangements of suction openings. This preliminary preparation allows operators to quickly select and engage the appropriate suction unit configuration for the current workpiece size without time-consuming adjustments or recalibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that enable quick reconfiguration of suction opening engagement based on workpiece dimensions. This reduces setup time while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive adjustment procedures.
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 effectively secures workpieces of varying sizes with reduced vacuum losses and setup efforts, allowing for simultaneous processing and minimizing power consumption, thus enhancing operational efficiency and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a suction device (40) that draws in air from the environment and creates negative pressure in the vacuum chamber (30)
Data Source
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AI summary
Workpiece clamping device (1) for clamping a workpiece (2) by means of negative pressure for its machining, the workpiece clamping device (1) comprising: a support device (3) on which the workpiece (2) can be placed for clamping, and at least one negative pressure chamber (30, 30a, 30b) which is formed extending from the support device (3), characterized in that the workpiece clamping device (1) has a first clamping area (B1) and a second clamping area (B2) different from the first clamping area (B1), wherein the support device (3) has a first support channel profile (13) in the first clamping area (B1) and a second support channel profile (14) different from the first support channel profile (13) in the second clamping area (B2).