Vacuum-Assisted Micromechanical Gripper for Precise Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping systems for micromechanical and horological components face challenges in achieving precise positioning and clamping without deformation, particularly in miniaturized machines, and struggle to maintain machined components post-cutting.
Innovation Solution
A gripper device with vacuum maintaining capabilities is integrated into a modified standard clamp, enhancing clamping precision and maintaining machined components by vacuum, while maintaining the compactness and flexibility of the original clamp design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional elastic clamps with pivotable segments are used, then clamping force is achieved, but positioning precision deteriorates because there is no fixed reference support
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into two functional parts: pivotable segments that provide clamping force and a fixed reference support that provides positioning precision. The segments can rotate to apply force while the reference support remains stationary to ensure accurate positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
A fixed reference support is introduced as an intermediary element between the pivotable segments and the component being clamped. This reference support acts as a mediator that provides a stable spatial reference for positioning while allowing the segments to pivot for clamping.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard elastic clamps are used, then clamping functionality is achieved, but the ability to maintain machined components post-cutting is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed to perform multiple functions: the pivotable segments provide clamping force during machining, while the fixed reference support enables maintaining of machined components post-cutting. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate clamping and maintaining devices.
3Manufacturing precision
If customised clamping solutions are used to achieve precision positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the clamping function (pivotable segments) with the positioning function (fixed reference support) into a single integrated clamp structure. This combination achieves precision positioning without requiring multiple separate devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
4Volume of moving object
If miniaturised machines are used, then machine size is reduced, but available space for mechanical clamping components decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed reference support is integrated within the structure of the pivotable segments, creating a nested arrangement where the reference support is positioned within or alongside the clamping segments. This nesting allows both functions to coexist in a compact configuration suitable for miniaturised machines.
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 gripper device ensures precise and repeatable positioning and clamping of micromechanical components, supports machining corrections, and maintains machined components effectively, aligning with the trend towards miniaturization in micromechanics.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum generator (60) arranged to create the vacuum in the clamping chamber via at least one channel (25) made in at least one mobile jaw (2)
Data Source
AI summary
A gripper device (100) for maintaining, centring, and/or clamping a micromechanical or horological component (200) in a clamping chamber defined by a clamp including at least one mobile jaw (2). At least a part of the mobile jaws (2) includes a reference surface (20) for frontal bearing of a component (200), and the gripper device (100) includes a vacuum generator (60) for creating the vacuum in the clamping chamber. Also, a method for fastening a micromechanical or horological component (200) in the clamping chamber of such a gripper device (100) according to which the component (200) is disposed on the reference surface (20), then a first maintaining by vacuum is carried out, then a second maintaining having a torque greater than that of the first maintaining by pivoting of the mobile jaws (2).