Wedge-Guided Clamping Plate for Asymmetric Load Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece clamping devices face challenges in achieving high flexibility and positioning accuracy, particularly when clamping and positioning bolts are not seated in all openings, leading to asymmetric loads and reduced precision.
Innovation Solution
A clamping plate with a tightening device driven by an axially displaceable actuator rod, featuring a wedge mechanism that guides the actuating rod and absorbs lateral forces, ensuring synchronous operation of clamping slides regardless of lateral play, and allowing for precise positioning even with asymmetric loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If clamping and positioning bolts are not seated in all openings, then flexibility is improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to asymmetric loads
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge is introduced as an intermediary component between the actuating rod and the clamping slides. It absorbs asymmetric loads and lateral forces, mediating the force transmission to ensure all clamping slides are actuated synchronously regardless of whether clamping bolts are present in all openings. This allows flexibility in bolt placement while maintaining positioning accuracy through the wedge's load-distributing function.
2Ease of manufacture
If lateral play in the actuating rod is present, then ease of assembly is improved, but synchronous operation of clamping slides deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge serves as a mediator that is guided in the clamping plate with minimal lateral play. It transfers the actuating force to the clamping slides while absorbing lateral movements and play in the actuating rod. This ensures that all clamping slides operate synchronously even when the actuating rod has lateral play, maintaining reliable and synchronous clamping action.
3Adaptability or versatility
If asymmetric loads act on the actuating rod, then adaptability to different clamping configurations is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge mechanism converts the harmful effect of asymmetric loads into a beneficial force distribution. By guiding the wedge in the clamping plate, asymmetric loads are redirected into the clamping plate structure rather than being transmitted to the actuating rod. This ensures that the actuating rod maintains its positioning precision while the system adapts to different clamping configurations with varying bolt placements.
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 enhances flexibility and positioning accuracy by directing lateral forces directly into the clamping plate, reducing the impact of asymmetric loads on the actuating rod, thus maintaining precise positioning and operation across varying clamping configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The actuating rod is in drive connection with the clamping slides, in particular by means of a wedge which is guided in the clamping plate
Implementation Method 2
lateral forces acting on the wedge are not absorbed by the actuating rod, but by the clamping plate or guide surfaces provided on the clamping plate
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The clamping plate (12) according to the invention has a tightening device (28) comprising a wedge drive. This drive includes a wedge (31) for the clamping slides (23 to 26), which is laterally guided and supported in the clamping plate (12) by two sliding surfaces (33, 34). The sliding surfaces (33, 34) serve to absorb and dissipate lateral forces acting on the wedge (31) when the tightening device (28) is subjected to asymmetrical loading. This design allows for more flexible use of the clamping plates (12).