Vacuum Workholding Table With Adjustable Clamping Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum pressure work tables in machine tools face challenges in safely and efficiently removing workpieces during machining operations, leading to potential damage and safety hazards, especially when workpieces are large or divided, and require repositioning, which affects precision and productivity.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum pressure work table with a regulating servo valve and control unit that reduces vacuum pressure to facilitate easy detachment of workpieces, allowing operators to remove them with minimal effort while maintaining safety and precision, and automatically adjusts the force of attraction based on the number and surface area of workpieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If vacuum pressure is increased to firmly clamp workpiece for precise machining, then machining precision is improved, but workpiece removal becomes difficult and requires moving supports
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum pressure is made dynamically adjustable through a regulating servo valve that can vary the vacuum level based on operational requirements. During machining, high vacuum maintains firm clamping for precision, while during removal operations, the valve reduces vacuum pressure to facilitate easy workpiece detachment without requiring moving supports
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum pressure parameter is changed from a fixed high value to a variable value that can be adjusted between high (for machining) and low (for removal) levels. The regulating servo valve controls this parameter change, allowing the system to optimize performance for different operational phases without mechanical moving parts
2Ease of operation
If vacuum pressure work table is deactivated to remove workpiece, then workpiece removal is enabled, but workpiece may fall and create safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of complete deactivation, the vacuum pressure is dynamically reduced to a low but non-zero level. The regulating servo valve controls this intermediate state, maintaining enough suction to prevent workpiece dropping while reducing the force enough to allow operator removal, thereby eliminating safety hazards associated with complete deactivation
3Object-affected harmful factors
If moving supports are added to support workpiece during removal, then safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex moving support system with actuators and sensors is completely removed from the design. Safety is achieved not through mechanical supports but through intelligent vacuum pressure regulation that naturally prevents workpiece dropping, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining or improving safety
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum system serves itself by automatically regulating pressure through the servo valve based on operational phase. During removal operations, the system self-adjusts to provide just enough suction to prevent dropping without requiring external mechanical support structures, making the system self-sufficient and simpler
4Ease of operation
If vacuum pump is deactivated for workpiece removal, then removal is enabled, but repositioning is required which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum pressure is dynamically adjusted to a low level rather than being completely deactivated. This allows workpiece removal without loss of positioning for pieces that need repositioning, as the residual suction maintains their locations. Pieces that need to be removed can be easily detached, eliminating the need for repositioning operations and improving productivity
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 safe and efficient removal of workpieces, reduces the need for repositioning, and maintains precision during machining, while simplifying the design and reducing production costs compared to prior art systems.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum pump (21) in fluid communication with said passages through at least a vacuum channel (23) to generate a vacuum pressure
Implementation Method 2
consequently a force of attraction that attracts the workpiece against the supporting surface (11)
Implementation Method 3
at least a regulating servo valve (26) that, in an open or partially open condition, places said vacuum channel (23) in communication with the environment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a vacuum pressure work table comprising a plate-like element (10) provided with a plurality of passages (13) defining the same number of openings (13') opening onto a front face (12), a covering panel (15) made of a material permeable to air, positioned on the front face (12) and a vacuum generating system (20) in communication with said passages (13) to generate a force of attraction of a workpiece against a supporting surface (11) of the covering panel (15), wherein said vacuum generating system comprises at least a vacuum pump (21) communicating with one or more of the aforesaid passages (13) through at least a vacuum channel (23), at least a regulating servo valve (26) communicating with said vacuum channel (23) and with the outside environment, and a control unit (40) that controls opening of said regulating servo valve (26) to vary the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum channel and consequently the force of attraction exerted on the workpiece.