Vacuum Chuck Console with Extendable Driver Pins for Automated Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum clamping devices require manual intervention for positioning clamping means, leading to structural complexity and contamination issues during operation.
Innovation Solution
A motor-driven console with extendable driver pins and fluid supply for automated positioning of clamping means, incorporating a fluid supply system for cleaning and reducing wear and air consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual positioning of clamping means is used, then setup effort is required by workers, but the structural complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The driver pin is nested within the driver body, extending only when needed to engage with the clamping means. This allows the positioning mechanism to remain compact during normal operation while providing automated positioning capability when activated, resolving the contradiction between automation and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver pin transitions between retracted and extended positions based on operational needs. This dynamic configuration allows the system to achieve automated positioning functionality while maintaining a simple, compact structure during non-operational states, balancing automation requirements with structural simplicity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cleaning operations are performed during workpiece processing, then contamination is removed, but air consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid supply applies cleaning fluid to the console surface before the clamping means is positioned or during the positioning process. This preliminary cleaning action prevents contamination buildup that would require more intensive cleaning later, thereby reducing overall fluid consumption while maintaining effective contamination removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid supply targets specific localized areas on the console surface where contamination is most likely to occur during workpiece processing. This localized application of cleaning fluid eliminates contamination effectively while minimizing the total amount of fluid required compared to comprehensive cleaning approaches.
3Reliability
If the driver pin remains extended, then coupling with clamping means is secure, but contamination of the driver pin increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driver pin dynamically transitions between retracted and extended positions based on whether coupling is needed. During positioning operations, the pin extends to ensure reliable coupling with the clamping means. During non-operational periods, the pin retracts to minimize exposure to contamination, thus balancing coupling reliability with contamination prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver pin is extended periodically only when required for coupling operations and retracted during intervals between operations. This periodic extension minimizes the total time the pin is exposed to contaminating environments while ensuring that coupling reliability is maintained during actual positioning tasks.
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 reliable, automated shifting of clamping means without manual intervention, reducing contamination and wear while achieving efficient cleaning with low air consumption.
Implementation Method 1
By applying pressure (e.g. compressed air), the driving pin can be moved from the retracted position to the extended position
Implementation Method 2
The expansion seal can be brought from an unexpanded state into a (radially) expanded state, particularly when the driver pin is in the extended position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a console (10) for a vacuum chuck device (100), wherein the console (10) comprises a powered driver (20) for shifting a clamping means that can be attached to the console (10), wherein the driver (20) is arranged on a lateral wall (18) of the console (10) and is slidingly guided along the longitudinal direction (12) of the console, wherein it is proposed that the driver (20) has at least one extendable driver pin (26) for mechanically coupling a clamping means (60) to the driver (20) and a fluid supply (28) for supplying a clamping means (60) coupled to the driver (20) with a fluid which is, in particular, pressurised. The invention also relates to a clamping means (60) for a vacuum chuck device, (100) and a vacuum chuck device (100).