Machine Table Clamping Assembly for Fast Vise Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for clamping a machine vise on a machine table are cumbersome, restrictive, and require complex alignment, often involving T-nuts and power clamps, which are expensive and limit mobility.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a height-adjustable clamping part with a threaded spindle and a pivoting mechanism, allowing for easy alignment and secure fixation with a single clamping screw, enabling the base body to be swiveled and adjusted for precise positioning on a machine table.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard screws are used to bolt the machine vise to the machine table, then the machine vise is securely fastened, but the movement and alignment of the machine vise is significantly restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device transitions from a static bolted connection to a dynamic system where the clamping element can be adjusted in height via the threaded spindle, allowing the machine vise to be moved and aligned before final clamping. The clamping element provides a pivot point that enables easy repositioning while maintaining secure fastening when clamped.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device separates the alignment function from the securing function. The base body with elongated hole allows positioning and alignment, while the clamping element with threaded spindle provides adjustable clamping force. This segmentation allows independent optimization of alignment ease and securing reliability.
2Reliability
If power clamps are used to clamp the machine vise, then the machine vise is securely fixed, but the setup process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex power clamp mechanisms with a simple manual threaded spindle system. The threaded spindle provides mechanical advantage for generating clamping force without requiring motors, gearboxes, or power sources, significantly reducing setup time and cost while maintaining reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device uses simple, inexpensive components such as a threaded spindle, clamping element, and clamping screw instead of expensive power clamps. These simple mechanical components are sufficient for the clamping task and can be easily replaced or adjusted if needed.
3Reliability
If multiple clamping devices are used to secure the machine vise, then secure fixation is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple clamping functions into a single integrated clamping device. The base body with elongated hole, clamping element with threaded spindle, and clamping screw work together as one unit to provide both positioning and secure fixation, eliminating the need for multiple separate clamping devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device performs multiple functions: the base body with elongated hole allows positioning and alignment, the threaded spindle provides height adjustment and clamping force, and the clamping element secures the machine vise. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while achieving secure fixation.
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
Facilitates quicker, more user-friendly clamping of a machine vise, allowing for easy alignment and secure fixation without the need for complex alignment procedures or expensive power clamps, enhancing mobility and reducing setup time.
Implementation Method 1
The threaded spindle (2) is supported on the base body (1) and has a tool end (13). Rotation of the threaded spindle (2) results in a height adjustment of the clamping element (3).
Implementation Method 2
The clamping screw (5) can be tightened by adjusting the height of the threaded spindle (2), and the base body (1) can be clamped, for example, on a machine table or similar surface.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
System (100) for supporting the clamping of a workpiece (200) on a machine table (300) equipped with T-slots, e.g., a drilling machine, comprising a base body (1) and a clamping element (3) received in the base body (1). The clamping element (3) extends within a receptacle (7) of the base body (1) in a longitudinal direction (8) between two ends (11, 12). The clamping element (3) is held in a height-adjustable position by means of a threaded spindle (2), the threaded spindle (2) being guided in a through-hole (9) of the base body (1) and supported against the base body (1). The threaded spindle (2) has a tool end (13), and rotation of the threaded spindle (2) results in a height adjustment of the clamping element (3). The clamping element (3) includes an elongated hole (14) through which a clamping screw (5) is guided. The clamping screw (5) includes an enlarged screw part (15) and is supported by the screw part (15) on the clamping part (3).The clamping screw (5) can be connected to a clamping block (6) arranged in a clamping groove (301) of the machine table (300). By adjusting the height of the threaded spindle (2), the clamping screw (5) can be tightened and the base body (1) can be clamped on the machine table (300). Before the clamping screw (5) is tightened, the base body (1) can be pivoted about the clamping screw (5) and moved within the elongated hole (14) to align the base body (1) on the machine table (300).