Workpiece Clamping Adjustment for Compact Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece retention devices face challenges in securely clamping a wide range of workpiece thicknesses due to the need for a large and complex clamping drive, which increases size and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an adjustment device that allows for the initial relative position of workpiece clamping elements to be adjusted based on workpiece thickness, reducing the required movement of the clamping drive and enabling a more compact design, along with a retraction drive to move clamping elements out of the way for collision-free processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a piston cylinder drive is used to clamp workpieces of various thicknesses, then the clamping force and travel length requirements are met, but the clamping drive becomes relatively large and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping drive is divided into two independent drives: a first drive (adjustment device) that adjusts the initial relative position of clamping elements to accommodate workpiece thickness, and a second drive (clamping device) that applies the actual clamping force. This segmentation allows each drive to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the overall size and complexity of the clamping system while maintaining the ability to handle various workpiece thicknesses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the clamping drive has a long travel length to accommodate thick and thin workpieces, then all workpiece thicknesses can be clamped, but the clamping drive becomes relatively large
Solution Approach 1:
The first drive (adjustment device) performs a preliminary action by adjusting the initial relative position of the workpiece clamping elements before the second drive applies the clamping force. This preliminary adjustment accommodates different workpiece thicknesses, allowing the second drive to use a shorter travel length while still being able to clamp workpieces of various thicknesses effectively.
3Force
If the clamping drive provides sufficient clamping force, then workpieces are securely clamped, but the drive train experiences deformation that affects precision
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping system is segmented into two independent drives with distinct functions: the first drive handles position adjustment without requiring high force, while the second drive applies the necessary clamping force. This segmentation allows the positioning function to be separated from the force application function, reducing the deformation in the drive train and improving the positioning accuracy of the clamping elements.
Data Source
AI summary
In some aspects of the disclosure, a workpiece retention device for securing plate-like workpieces to a workpiece movement unit of a machine tool includes first and second workpiece clamping elements and a clamping drive by which the workpiece clamping elements can be moved towards one another starting from an initial relative position in order to clamp a workpiece that is arranged between the workpiece clamping elements. The workpiece retention device also includes an adjustment device that can adjust the initial relative position of the workpiece clamping elements.