Zero-Point Clamping Docking via Clamping Element Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices require separate drives and intricate coupling movements to dock and supply a working medium to the zero-point clamping system.
Innovation Solution
The clamping device integrates coupling elements on the zero-point clamping system and docking elements on the gripping and positioning device, allowing for coupling through a retraction movement of the clamping element, eliminating the need for separate drives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate drives and linear guides are used for docking the docking unit to the zero-point clamping system, then the docking elements can be vertically aligned and horizontally extended to lock the connection, but the device complexity increases and the operation becomes more intricate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vertical alignment function and horizontal locking function into a single integrated coupling motion. The clamping element's receiving opening simultaneously performs both functions: it guides the coupling element vertically into position and then horizontally locks it, eliminating the need for separate linear guides and drives for each motion stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping element's receiving opening is designed as a multi-functional component that serves as both a vertical guide and a horizontal lock. This universal design allows a single structural feature to accomplish multiple docking functions that previously required separate dedicated components.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate drives are integrated in the docking unit for coupling to the zero-point clamping system, then the coupling can be precisely controlled, but the ease of operation decreases and additional drives are required
Solution Approach 1:
The docking system is designed to be self-aligning and self-locking through the geometric configuration of the clamping element's receiving opening. The coupling element automatically follows the prescribed motion path and achieves precise positioning and locking without requiring external drives or active control systems in the docking unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping element's receiving opening acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates the simple retraction motion into the complex sequence of vertical alignment and horizontal locking. This passive geometric mediator performs the precise coupling function without requiring active drives.
3Reliability
If the coupling elements are arranged perpendicular to the receiving openings, then the docking elements must be lowered and extended in separate steps, but this increases the loss of time and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving opening is pre-configured with a geometry that anticipates the coupling element's approach path. The opening's shape and orientation are designed in advance to guide the coupling element through the necessary vertical and horizontal motions in a single continuous retraction action, eliminating the need for separate positioning steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping device includes a zero-point clamping system, which can be actuated by a working medium; a machine vice, which can be coupled to the system; and a gripping and positioning device for transporting and positioning the machine vice on the zero-point clamping system. The zero-point clamping system contains at least one coupling element and the gripping and positioning device contains a docking device having at least one docking element, which can be coupled to the coupling element, for supplying the working medium to the system. To facilitate coupling, the at least one coupling element of the system is offset parallel to a receiving opening for a clamping element on the machine vice, and the at least one docking element is positioned in such a way that it is coupled to the coupling element by retraction of the clamping element located on the machine vice into the receiving opening.