Wedge-Locked Compensation Assembly for Clamping Position Tolerance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Positioning tolerances between pull-in nipples on workpieces or workpiece pallets and receptacles in clamping devices often result in misalignment, preventing simultaneous insertion of all pull-in nipples into their assigned receptacles, which hampers precise machining processes.

Innovation Solution

A compensation device that allows the carrier to be displaced relative to the base along perpendicular displacement directions, utilizing a clamping device with wedge elements and a movement device to generate linear movement, enabling precise alignment and locking of the carrier to the base, thereby compensating for positional tolerances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If rigid positioning of the carrier relative to the base is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but positioning tolerance compensation capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidpositioning tolerance compensation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier is made displaceable relative to the base along perpendicular displacement directions, transforming the rigid positioning system into a dynamic one. This allows the carrier to be positioned precisely when needed while also being adjustable to compensate for positioning tolerances, resolving the contradiction between precision and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows changing the positional parameters of the carrier relative to the base by displacing it along perpendicular directions. This parameter adjustment capability enables both precise positioning and tolerance compensation depending on the operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the carrier is made displaceable to compensate for positioning tolerances, then adaptability is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning tolerance compensationVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions between dynamic (displaceable for tolerance compensation) and static (locked for precise positioning) states. The locking device enables the carrier to be securely fixed once positioned, ensuring that adaptability does not compromise precision during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier is first displaced to the desired position to compensate for tolerances, then locked in place before machining operations. This preliminary positioning action ensures both tolerance compensation and subsequent precision are achieved.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If a locking device is added to secure the carrier to the base, then positioning stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarrier-base stabilityVSAvoidclamping device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wedge elements utilize the self-locking property of friction to maintain the carrier's position. Once the carrier is displaced to the desired position, the friction between the wedge elements and their guides automatically maintains stability without requiring additional active locking mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 the simultaneous insertion of all pull-in nipples into their receptacles, ensuring accurate positioning and facilitating machining processes by effectively compensating for larger position tolerances.

Implementation Method 1

The clamping device comprises at least one wedge element. Preferably, at least one wedge element has at least one wedge surface with a wedge angle of less than 10°

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWedge effect: Wedge

Data Source

PatentEP3620260B1Compensation device for compensating for a positioning tolerance
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 ANDREAS MAIER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3620260B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3620260B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3620260B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In order to compensate for positioning tolerances of a working device, for example a clamping device, relative to other working devices, for example clamping devices, a compensating device for compensating for a positioning tolerance of a working device to be positioned is proposed, which comprises a base and a support, wherein the support comprises a fastening device for attaching the working device to the support and the support is held displaceably on the base along at least one displacement direction relative to the base, wherein the compensating device comprises a locking device for locking the support in a working position relative to the base.