Wedge Clamping System for Precise Angular Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping systems face challenges in achieving precise angular positioning of clamping elements, such as clamping rings, which can vary due to clamping methods, and often require access from below for proper alignment.
Innovation Solution
A clamping system featuring an X-axis mounting element with a locking wedge and angle transmission, allowing for 360° angular positioning and compact design, where the locking wedge cooperates with an internal cavity in the support, enabling precise positioning from one side and utilizing a cylinder actuator for controlled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the clamping ring is screwed to the support, then it can be attached to the support, but its angular position varies depending on the clamping carried out
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamic locking mechanism where a locking wedge can move along a slide to engage with angle transmissions at different angular positions. This allows the system to adapt to various angular positions while maintaining precise positioning through the locking action, resolving the contradiction between attachment flexibility and positioning stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Angle transmissions act as intermediary elements between the mounting element and the support. These transmissions convert angular position adjustments into linear movements of the locking wedge, enabling precise angular positioning to be locked reliably without varying with clamping forces.
2Ease of manufacture
If the clamping ring is attached to the support first, then the other portion can be screwed underneath, but access from below is required
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting element is inverted in design: instead of requiring access from below to screw the portion underneath, the locking mechanism is designed to be operated from above. The locking wedge engages with angle transmissions that are accessible from the top side, allowing assembly and adjustment without needing to access the support from below.
3Manufacturing precision
If the locking wedge has a displacement perpendicular to the axis X, then angular positioning is achieved, but the force is not amplified
Solution Approach 1:
The angle transmission mechanism converts displacement in one dimension (perpendicular to axis X) into movement in another dimension (parallel to axis X) while providing force amplification. The inclined surfaces of the angle transmissions transform the lateral displacement of the locking wedge into axial movement with amplified clamping force, achieving both precise positioning and strong clamping.
4Volume of moving object
If the device is designed to be compact, then the angular positioning can be achieved in a small space, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism employs a nested arrangement where the locking wedge moves within a slide that is part of the mounting element, which in turn interacts with angle transmissions integrated into the support structure. This nesting allows the compact arrangement of multiple functional elements (locking wedge, slide, angle transmissions) in a small volume while maintaining clear functional separation and manageable complexity.
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 precise and stable angular positioning of clamping elements with enhanced clamping power and ease of assembly/disassembly, ensuring accurate alignment and compact device design.
Implementation Method 1
the locking wedge which cooperates with at least one angle transmission... the locking wedge cooperates with the internal cavity... the transmission thus makes it possible to block the locking wedge by a movement of the transmission parallel to the axis X. The force of this movement is amplified due to the choice of the angle
Implementation Method 2
The force of this movement is amplified due to the choice of the angle
Implementation Method 3
an elastic element housed in a circular groove and resting on the locking wedge, the elastic element tending to clamp the locking wedge against the angle transmission
Implementation Method 4
the wedge comprises an inclined upper clamping cone capable of resting against an inclined upper face of the internal cavity so as to clamp the mounting element on the abutment face. Resting against the conical surfaces also make it possible to increase contact forces, hence the clamping power
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a clamping device having a mounting element with an axis of rotation X, an actuator, a support that has an opening of axis X in which opening the mounting element and the actuator are positioned. The mounting element includes a slide in which there are positioned a ring and a locking wedge which collaborate with at least one angle transmission. The support has an interior groove arranged in the opening and the ring and the locking wedge collaborate with the interior groove. The mounting element can thus easily be angularly positioned. There are preferably two angle transmissions positioned such that they are diametrically opposed.