Workpiece Mounting with Auxiliary Elements for Low-Deformation Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional frictional clamping methods require high forces to securely hold workpieces, leading to elastic and plastic deformation, machining inaccuracies, increased manufacturing costs, and restricted accessibility for machining due to direct clamping on the workpiece.

Innovation Solution

The method involves attaching auxiliary elements to the workpiece, which are clamped using a form-fitting mechanism with deformable clamping jaws, allowing the workpiece to be held securely without direct force application, enabling precise positioning and improved accessibility for machining regardless of shape or contour.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If friction clamping is used to hold the workpiece, then the workpiece can be securely held during machining, but significantly higher clamping forces are required which cause elastic and plastic deformation of the workpiece

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding forceVSAvoidworkpiece deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces auxiliary elements as intermediaries between the clamping device and the workpiece. These auxiliary elements are clamped by the clamping device and in turn clamp the workpiece, thereby mediating the clamping force and preventing direct deformation of the workpiece while maintaining secure holding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping system is segmented into multiple components: the clamping device, auxiliary elements, and the workpiece. The auxiliary elements are spaced apart and distributed on the workpiece, dividing the clamping function into multiple points rather than direct contact, which reduces localized deformation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If friction clamping with clamping jaws is used, then the workpiece can be held securely, but the clamping jaws cover part of the workpiece thus impairing access for machining

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping securityVSAvoidmachining accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Auxiliary elements serve as intermediaries that extend beyond the workpiece perimeter in some configurations, allowing clamping forces to be applied at locations that do not obstruct machining access to the workpiece surfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary elements are arranged in a distributed pattern across the workpiece, utilizing spatial distribution in multiple dimensions. This allows clamping to occur at peripheral or elevated locations that provide machining access to the main workpiece surfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Strength

If locally deforming the workpiece with a rough and/or structured surface is used to create positive fit, then the ratio of available strength to applied clamping force improves, but the required clamping force remains significantly higher than the available strength

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailable strength to clamping force ratioVSAvoidrequired clamping force

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary elements are designed as consumable parts that can be easily manufactured and replaced. They absorb the deformation and clamping forces, serving as disposable elements that protect the valuable workpiece from deformation while maintaining the necessary holding force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material parameters and geometric parameters of the auxiliary elements to optimize their deformability and load-bearing capacity. By adjusting these parameters, the auxiliary elements can withstand high clamping forces while maintaining a positive fit with the workpiece

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach reduces the required clamping force, minimizes workpiece deformation, and enhances machining accuracy and accessibility by using easily manufactured consumable auxiliary elements, allowing for secure and precise mounting with improved strength-to-force ratio.

Implementation Method 1

The auxiliary elements are held by plastic deformation of the auxiliary elements by means of several spaced-apart clamping jaws of a clamping device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3638453B1Method, device, and aid element for mounting a workpiece

Publication Date: 2022.04.13 GRESSEL

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method for mounting a workpiece, wherein multiple mutually spaced aid elements are attached to the workpiece, and the workpiece is held by clamping the aid elements in a formfitting manner. The invention further relates to a device for carrying out the method, comprising multiple clamping jaws which are mutually spaced in the circumferential direction and, between two mutually facing lateral surfaces, delimit a clamping gap with a width that can be modified by moving the clamping jaws for receiving and clamping the aid elements arranged on the workpiece in a formfitting manner.