Zero-Point Clamping System with Electric Motor Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping and changing systems, such as zero-point clamping systems, rely on compressed air or hydraulic systems for actuation, which require continuous energy and result in higher energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A clamping or changing system utilizing an electric motor with a drive shaft rotationally coupled to a drive ring, allowing the locking bodies to be safely shifted between locking and unlocking positions, with optional reduction kinematics and a fluid-tight gear stage arrangement, eliminating the need for pneumatic or hydraulic systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pneumatic or hydraulic systems are used for actuation, then reliable locking and unlocking is achieved, but energy consumption increases and continuous energy supply is required
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor is activated only periodically when locking or unlocking is required, rather than continuously. The motor rotates the drive ring through a small adjustment angle (10°-25°) to shift locking bodies between positions, then remains inactive during the clamping operation, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces pneumatic or hydraulic actuation systems with an electric motor-driven mechanical system. The electric motor rotates the drive ring, which through oblique grooves and guide cams, converts rotational motion into radial displacement of locking bodies, eliminating the need for continuous pneumatic/hydraulic pressure while achieving reliable locking.
2Reliability
If electric motor with reduction kinematics is added, then system complexity increases, but fluid-tight sealing is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into separate sections: a motor section containing the electric motor and reduction kinematics, and a working section containing the drive ring and locking bodies. This segmentation allows the motor section to be fluid-tightly sealed while keeping the working section accessible, managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
A shaft seal acts as an intermediary element between the motor section and working section, providing fluid-tight sealing at the interface where the drive shaft passes through the housing. This allows the motor to be sealed off from the working environment while still transmitting rotational motion through the shaft.
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 system achieves efficient energy use by only requiring electrical energy when locking or unlocking, reducing overall energy requirements and ensuring a compact, reliable, and sealed design.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor (26) with a drive shaft (32) is provided in the housing (12), the drive shaft (32) being rotationally coupled to the drive ring (20)
Implementation Method 2
a drive ring (20) which actuates the locking body (16) and is arranged such that it can rotate about the central longitudinal axis (18)
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6~7
Figure 8~9
AI summary
The invention relates to a clamping or changing system, in particular a zero-point clamping system, with a housing for receiving a receiving element, with locking elements that can be displaced in the housing in a radial direction towards a central longitudinal axis, which in a locking position act against the receiving element such that a support part that can be arranged on the receiving element is acted upon in an axial direction against the housing, and with a drive ring that actuates the locking elements and is rotatably arranged about the central longitudinal axis (18), wherein an electric motor with a drive shaft is provided in the housing, wherein the drive shaft is rotaryally coupled to the drive ring for rotating the drive ring.