Welding Clamp Spatter Collection via Removable Unloading Tray
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing clamp apparatuses in automated assembly lines face issues with spatter deposition inside the body, which interferes with the rotational operation of clamp arms and requires complex maintenance to remove, hindering smooth clamping operations.
Innovation Solution
A clamp apparatus with a detachable cover member and an unloading tray positioned below the clamp arms, allowing spatter generated during welding to be collected and easily removed, preventing malfunction and simplifying maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a clamp apparatus is used for welding workpieces, then welding operations can be performed, but spatter is generated and deposited inside the body, interfering with the rotational operation of clamp arms
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp apparatus is divided into separable components: a removable cover member that can be detached from the body, and an unloading tray that can be removed from the cover member. This segmentation allows the interior space to be accessed and cleaned of spatter deposits without disassembling the entire apparatus, thus maintaining welding productivity while resolving the operational interference caused by spatter accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The unloading tray is extracted as a separate removable component from the cover member. This extracted tray is specifically designed to receive and collect spatter that falls inside the body during welding operations. By taking out the tray, spatter is separated from the critical mechanical components (clamp arms and drive unit), preventing interference with rotational operation while maintaining the welding function.
2Productivity
If spatter is deposited inside the body, then welding can continue, but maintenance operations become complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The maintenance system is segmented into modular components: the cover member can be removed from the body, and the unloading tray can be removed from the cover member. This segmentation transforms the maintenance process from a complex disassembly operation into a simple tray removal operation, dramatically reducing maintenance time and complexity while allowing continuous welding operations to proceed.
Solution Approach 2:
The unloading tray is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component that accumulates spatter during welding operations. When the tray becomes filled with spatter, it can be quickly removed and discarded or cleaned, and a fresh tray can be installed. This approach simplifies maintenance by converting spatter removal into a simple tray replacement operation rather than requiring complex cleaning of the entire apparatus interior.
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 effectively prevents spatter deposition from interfering with the clamp apparatus' operation, ensuring continuous smooth clamping and facilitating quick and reliable spatter removal, thereby enhancing maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an unloading tray disposed inside of the cover member at a position below the clamp arms in the direction of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp apparatus including first and second clamp arms, which are supported rotatably on a body, with a cover being installed to cover outer sides of the body. The cover includes openings through which portions of the first and second clamp arms are inserted and rotatably operated. An unloading tray is arranged in the body at a position below the openings in the direction of gravity. Spatter, which invades into the clamp apparatus from the openings when a welding operation is carried out on a workpiece that is clamped by the first and second clamp arms, is deposited on the unloading tray, and the spatter is eliminated by taking out the unloading tray to the exterior of the clamp apparatus.