Zero Point Clamping System Oblique Active Section Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping systems face challenges in achieving reliable and precise centering and rotational alignment, often resulting in overdetermination and inadequate clamping of the carrier part on the clamping module, which can lead to imprecise and repeatable clamping.
Innovation Solution
The clamping system incorporates active sections on the clamping module or carrier part, angled obliquely to the central longitudinal axis and arranged tangentially, with counter-bodies featuring curved surfaces that deform elastically under high pressure, allowing for precise centering and play-fit positioning, thereby avoiding lateral forces and twisting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional centering methods (conical grooves, cylindrical rollers) are used, then centering and rotational alignment are achieved, but the system becomes overdetermined and manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful overdetermination from the system by removing conventional centering elements (conical grooves, cylindrical rollers) and retaining only the essential clamping function. The clamping module focuses solely on providing clamping force through the clamping bolt, while centering is achieved passively through the geometry of the clamping receptacle and support part interfaces, eliminating the conflict between multiple centering mechanisms and manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using active centering mechanisms that push parts together, the patent inverts the approach by designing the clamping receptacle and support part with complementary geometries that naturally guide centering during the clamping process. The clamping bolt and receptacle are designed with slight conical surfaces that automatically align parts as the clamping force is applied, reversing the conventional sequence of centering then clamping.
2Measurement precision
If multiple centering mechanisms are implemented, then rotational alignment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping module is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: the clamping bolt provides both the clamping force and the centering function through its geometric relationship with the clamping receptacle. The support part's interface geometry serves both to locate the part rotationally and to guide the clamping bolt during engagement, eliminating the need for separate centering mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the centering function with the clamping function by integrating the centering geometry directly into the clamping receptacle and support part interfaces. The conical surfaces of the clamping bolt and receptacle are designed to work together as a unified system that achieves both rotational alignment and axial clamping in a single engagement action, rather than as separate sequential operations.
3Device complexity
If conventional clamping designs are used, then simplicity is maintained, but clamping force and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces curved surfaces to the clamping interface, specifically the conical surfaces of the clamping bolt and the complementary conical receptacle. These curved surfaces distribute the clamping force more effectively and create a self-centering effect during engagement. The curvature allows for gradual engagement and reduces stress concentrations, enabling higher reliable clamping forces while maintaining a relatively simple single-bolt design.
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
This design ensures precise, repeatable, and forceful engagement of the carrier part on the clamping module, providing high surface pressure for secure alignment without lateral forces or twisting, enhancing the reliability and functionality of the clamping system.
Implementation Method 1
The curved surface of the counter-body, which acts against the active section, which is in particular planar, is preferably elastically deformed. The elastic deformation occurs because, due to the comparatively small contact area between the curved surface of the counter-body and the active section, comparatively high forces act in the locking position.
Data Source
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Figure 10~12
AI summary
The clamping system comprises a clamping module (10), which has a clamping receptacle and a clamping unit. A carrier part is provided, which has a clamping bolt. The clamping bolt is inserted into the clamping receptacle. An operation section (26) is provided at the clamping module or at the carrier part, which is diagonally arranged to the central longitudinal axis (30) of the clamping receptacle or the clamping bolt.