Worm-Driven Slider Mechanism for Compact Machine Part Clamping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automated manufacturing machines occupy large spaces, making it difficult to efficiently locate them within limited workshop areas due to space constraints and sequential processing limitations.
Innovation Solution
A compact mechanical device with a housing, drive unit, swing units, rail unit, and sliders that allows two machine parts to move toward or away from each other, utilizing a motor-driven worm and arcuate cam slots to control the movement of sliders along rails, enabling efficient clamping and unclamping of objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated machines are used for manufacturing processes, then productivity and automation level are improved, but the occupied space increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated mechanical device. The housing integrates the drive unit, swing units, and rail unit into one compact assembly, reducing the total space required compared to separate automated machines while maintaining automation capabilities through the motor-driven worm mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The design employs nested arrangements where components are positioned within each other's spaces. The swing units are disposed on opposite sides of the worm within the housing, and the sliders move along rails that are fixed above the swing units, creating a compact nested structure that minimizes the footprint while preserving full functionality
2Productivity
If multiple automated machines are arranged in sequence for processing steps, then manufacturing capability is improved, but space utilization deteriorates due to limited workshop area
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical device performs multiple functions within a single unit. It can simultaneously or sequentially perform clamping, unclamping, and positioning operations through the coordinated movement of the two sliders and swing units, eliminating the need for multiple separate machines and optimizing workshop space utilization while maintaining manufacturing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical arrangement and three-dimensional space efficiently. The rail unit is fixed above the swing units, and the sliders move vertically along the rails while the swing units oscillate horizontally, creating a multi-dimensional movement pattern that maximizes space utilization in limited workshop areas
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 mechanical device provides a compact and efficient solution for moving machine parts, optimizing space usage and facilitating smooth operation within limited workshop spaces while maintaining stability and control during use.
Implementation Method 1
The drive unit includes a motor positioned in the installation space and a worm connected to and rotated by the motor
Implementation Method 2
The swing member has a curved toothed portion disposed between the pivot member and the worm and meshing with the worm
Implementation Method 3
an arcuate cam slot formed between the curved toothed portion and the pivot member. The arcuate cam slot has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical device includes a worm and two swing units disposed in a housing. Each swing unit has a pivot member and a swing member meshing with the worm. The swing member has an arcuate cam slot that has a first end and a second end. A rail is fixed to the housing above the swing units and the worm. Two sliders are connected to the swing units. Each slider has a slide block engaging the rail, an extension arm, and a protrusion protruding from the extension arm and inserted into the arcuate cam slot to slide between the first and second ends of the arcuate cam slot when the worm drives the swing member to swing.