Zero-Point Clamping Mechanism With Inclined Threads for Compact Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zero-point clamping devices are bulky, require high production costs due to tight production tolerances, and have inefficient actuation mechanisms that result in time-consuming clamping and potential damage to components.
Innovation Solution
A compact zero-point clamping device design featuring inclined threads on the actuating element, drive pins, and floating drive segments with pivot joints, allowing for rapid and force-limited clamping with minimal rotational input, and reducing the need for precise production tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If axial advance movements of a setting piston are used to actuate clamping slides, then the clamping device can reliably secure workpieces, but the housing requires very large structural dimensions and the outer circumference must be considerably enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the axial movement of the setting piston into radial movement of the clamping slides through inclined surfaces. This dimensional transformation allows the clamping mechanism to function effectively within a compact housing circumference, eliminating the need for large radial spaces while maintaining reliable clamping action.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving clamping slides axially along with the setting piston, the patent inverts the movement direction by using inclined surfaces to convert axial piston movement into radial slide movement. This inversion enables compact housing design while preserving clamping functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the outer diameter of the housing is enlarged to accommodate radial movement of clamping slides, then the clamping slides can be actuated, but the housing height and outer circumference become correspondingly large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the movement direction from axial (vertical) to radial (horizontal) through inclined surfaces, allowing clamping slides to be actuated within a compact housing height while maintaining ease of operation.
3Volume of stationary object
If guide grooves and cams are used with a drive ring to replace axial piston movement, then the housing can be more compact, but production tolerances must be extremely small increasing production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the actuation mechanism by using inclined surfaces with specific angles rather than precise guide grooves and cams. This parameter change allows for larger production tolerances while maintaining compact housing dimensions and effective clamping slide actuation.
4Productivity
If a drive ring with guide grooves and cams is used for actuation, then clamping can be achieved with rotary movement, but play between components means rotary motion is not completely transferred to clamping slides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the intermediate cam components from the drive mechanism, directly coupling the setting piston's axial movement to the clamping slides' radial movement through inclined surfaces. This extraction of unnecessary components removes the source of play and ensures complete motion transfer while maintaining fast clamping action.
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
Enables quick and repeatable fixing of objects with reduced actuation force, compact housing dimensions, and increased production tolerance ranges, improving efficiency and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
two spaced-apart threads are incorporated in the actuating element (11), the respective threads of which have identical pitches and are designed to be inclined in opposite directions to one another
Implementation Method 2
a respective pivot pin (17, 18) is provided between the two drive segments (21, 22; 22, 23) connected to the actuating element (11) via one of the respective drive pins (15, 16) and the drive segment (23) arranged adjacent thereto to form a swivel joint
Data Source
AI summary
A zero-point clamping device for centered locking of an object with repeat accuracy, the device comprising: a housing, a receiving opening worked into the housing having a centering axis, at least two clamping slides mounted axially displaceably in a bore provided in the housing, and an actuating element for moving the clamping slides, one axis of rotation of the actuating element running tangentially and at a distance from the receiving opening to enable a reliable, permanent and repeatable fixing of a large number of workpieces and being extremely compact. This is achieved with two spaced-apart threads incorporated in the actuating element, the respective threads of which have identical pitches and are inclined in opposite directions, and a drive pin inserted in each thread in a driving connection with the thread such that the drive pins can be moved along the axis of rotation of the actuating element.