Vacuum-Assisted Gripper Jaws for Precise Micromechanical Clamping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping systems for micromechanical and watchmaking components face challenges in ensuring precise positioning and tightening without deformation, particularly in rework machining, where standard elastic clamps lack a fixed reference support for accurate axial and radial positioning, and struggle to maintain machined components post-trimming.
Innovation Solution
A gripping device with modified standard clamps incorporating vacuum holding means to enhance holding force and positioning, featuring movable jaws with direct reference surfaces and a venturi cartridge for creating a vacuum in the clamping chamber, allowing for precise angular indexing and improved retention of machined components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If standard elastic clamps with movable jaws are used for clamping micromechanical components, then clamping force is provided, but positioning precision and repeatability deteriorate due to lack of fixed reference support
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping system is divided into two independent functional parts: a mechanical clamping system (movable jaws providing clamping force) and a vacuum holding system (suction cups providing fixed reference support). This segmentation allows each system to perform its specialized function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between providing clamping force and maintaining positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two previously separate systems (mechanical clamping and vacuum holding) into a single integrated gripping device. The vacuum suction cups are integrated into the movable jaws or the clamp structure, creating a unified system that simultaneously provides both clamping force and fixed reference support for precise positioning.
2Ease of operation
If standard elastic clamps are used, then clamping functionality is provided, but holding force for machined components deteriorates after trimming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum suction cups act as an intermediary holding mechanism that takes over the holding function after trimming operations. While the mechanical clamps maintain their clamping functionality on the raw component, the vacuum system provides the necessary holding force for the machined component, preventing it from falling or moving.
3Manufacturing precision
If customized clamping solutions are used to ensure precision support, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the standard elastic clamp multi-functional by adding vacuum holding capability to it. Instead of requiring a completely customized clamping system, the vacuum suction cups are integrated into the existing clamp structure, allowing the same device to provide both mechanical clamping and vacuum holding functions. This universality reduces device complexity and cost while maintaining positioning precision.
4Ease of operation
If standard elastic clamps are used, then clamping is provided, but positioning repeatability deteriorates due to dimensional variations and friction changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical reference system (which relies on friction and dimensional tolerances) with a vacuum field-based reference system. The vacuum suction cups create a consistent reference plane that is not affected by dimensional variations in the component or friction changes in the mechanical joints, thereby improving positioning repeatability while maintaining ease of operation.
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 solution provides economical, precise, and compact clamping with improved positioning repeatability, enabling efficient rework machining and maintaining components in place, aligning with the trend of miniaturization in micromechanical machining.
Implementation Method 1
at least one vacuum generator (60) arranged to create a vacuum in the clamping chamber via at least one channel (25) provided in at least one movable jaw (2)
Implementation Method 2
a venturi cartridge housed in a channel (45) with a main orifice (450), and additional orifices (460, 470), defining air circulation channels
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
One aspect of the invention relates to a gripping device (100) for holding, centering, and/or clamping a micromechanical or watchmaking component (200) in a chamber delimited by a gripper comprising at least one movable jaw (2), wherein at least a portion of the movable jaws (2) has a reference surface (20) for frontal support of a component (200), and this gripping device (100) includes a vacuum generator (60) for creating a vacuum in the clamping chamber. The invention further relates to a method for fixing a micromechanical or watchmaking component (200) in the clamping chamber of such a gripping device (100), according to which said component (200) is placed on said reference surface (20), then a first clamping action is performed by vacuum, followed by a second clamping action with a torque greater than that of said first clamping action by pivoting the movable jaws (2).