Zero-Point Clamping Element With Flexible Annular Web Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping elements face challenges in being securely centered and locked without play within clamping receptacles, while also avoiding damage and internal stresses, especially when multiple clamping bolts are used on larger workpieces.
Innovation Solution
The clamping element features a radially flexible annular web with multiple openings, allowing adjustable elastic resilience and easy introduction, along with a design that ensures unhindered elastic deformation and a defined flexure joint for precise centering and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the annular web is made elastically flexible in the radial direction, then the clamping element can self-center in the clamping receptacle, but the clamping element may be damaged or have play during locking
Solution Approach 1:
The annular web is segmented into multiple radial sections by introducing openings, transforming it from a continuous rigid structure into a flexible yet structurally sound component. This segmentation allows controlled elastic deformation for centering while maintaining overall structural integrity during locking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic flexibility of the annular web is adjusted by changing parameters such as the number, size, and distribution of openings. This enables optimization of the balance between centering capability and structural strength, allowing the web to be flexible enough for self-centering but strong enough to prevent damage during locking.
2Strength
If the annular web is closed and rigid, then the clamping element has high structural strength, but it cannot self-center in the clamping receptacle
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous annular web is divided into radial segments through openings, creating a structure that combines rigidity for strength with flexibility for centering. The segmented design maintains overall structural integrity while enabling the necessary elastic deformation for self-centering in the clamping receptacle.
3Productivity
If multiple clamping bolts are used on one component, then larger workpieces can be clamped, but undesirable residual stresses are generated in the clamped component
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping element performs self-centering automatically through the elastic flexibility of its annular web, eliminating the need for complex alignment mechanisms. This self-adjusting capability ensures uniform distribution of clamping forces across multiple bolts, reducing residual stresses in the workpiece while maintaining high clamping capacity.
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 ensures secure centering and locking without play, reduces the risk of damage, and allows for adjustable elastic properties, enhancing the precision and reliability of clamping systems.
Implementation Method 1
the annular web is elastically flexible in the radial direction, the clamping bolt can self-center in the clamping receptacle
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Clamping element (10, 100) of a clamping system, in particular a zero-point clamping system, wherein the clamping element (10, 100) is designed for arrangement on a component (12) to be clamped and for locking in or on a clamping receptacle (28) of a clamping module (26), with a draw-in section (22) extending about a central axis (20), against which locking elements (24) of the clamping module (26) act for drawing in and locking the clamping element (10, 100), with a bearing surface (32) for bearing on the component (12), with an annular groove (36) surrounding the bearing surface (32) in a radial direction and with an annular web (38) surrounding the annular groove (36) in a radial direction, which is elastically flexible at least in sections in the radial direction, characterized in that the annular web (38) has several openings (40) extending in a radial direction.