Zero-Point Clamping Module With Rotatable Pins for Low-Friction Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zero-point clamping modules face inefficiencies due to high friction between cylindrical pins and inclined guides, which affects the module's ability to securely clamp and release elements, especially when handling multiple clamping elements.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of rotatable cylindrical pins with a middle section and end sections, where the pins are mounted on the piston or locking element using plain bearing bushes with sliding coatings, and secured with pin sleeves and locking elements, reduces friction and enhances the module's efficiency by allowing better absorption of transverse forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cylindrical pins are used in the zero-point clamping module, then the module can securely clamp and release elements, but high friction occurs between the cylindrical pins and inclined guides, reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A rotatable cylindrical pin is introduced as an intermediary element between the piston and the clamping slide. The pin rotates during operation, converting sliding friction into rolling friction, thereby significantly reducing the friction between the pin and the inclined guide while maintaining the clamping security function
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical pin is designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, introducing dynamic motion to the previously static connection. This rotation capability allows the pin to adapt its orientation during clamping and release operations, reducing friction and improving operational efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple clamping elements are handled simultaneously, then the module's versatility increases, but the friction between cylindrical pins and inclined guides increases, further reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable cylindrical pin serves as a mediator that reduces friction energy loss even when multiple clamping elements are handled simultaneously. Each pin independently rotates to minimize friction with its corresponding inclined guide, maintaining efficiency across multiple concurrent operations
3Device complexity
If the cylindrical pin is fixed in position, then the structure is simpler, but the pin cannot better absorb transverse forces, reducing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical pin is designed with rotational freedom while maintaining structural simplicity. The pin can rotate about its axis and displace axially, allowing it to dynamically absorb transverse forces generated during clamping operations without requiring a complex mounting structure
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical pin is divided into a central section and two end sections. The end sections are mounted on the piston or locking element, while the central section interacts with the inclined guide. This segmentation allows the pin to rotate and displace independently, improving transverse force absorption while keeping the overall structure simple
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 significantly increases the efficiency of the zero-point clamping module by reducing friction and improving the module's ability to securely clamp and release elements, even under greater pressures, while preventing the pins from falling out and ensuring secure closure of the clamping receptacle.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one cylindrical pin comprises a central section and two end sections, with each end section being mounted on the piston or locking element by means of a sliding bearing bushing. The sliding bearing bushings have, in particular, a sliding coating, which may, for example, comprise polyoxymethylene (POM).
Data Source
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Figure 6~9
AI summary
Zero-point clamping module (10) with a base housing (12), with a clamping receptacle (14) provided in the base housing (12) for receiving a clamping element, with a piston (18) axially displaceable in the base housing (12), and with at least one locking element (22) movable in the base housing (12) perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis (20) of the clamping receptacle (14), wherein at least one cylindrical pin (24) arranged transversely to the central longitudinal axis is provided on the piston (18) or on the locking element (22), which is connected to a locking element-side orThe piston-side inclined guide (26) is coupled to the movement in such a way that when the piston (18) is moved in the axial direction, the locking element (22) is moved in the radial direction to lock or release a clamping element received by the clamping receptacle (14), characterized in that the cylindrical pin (24) has a central section (32) and two end sections (34), wherein the central section has a surface that interacts with the inclined guide (26) and the two end sections (34) are mounted or held on the piston (18) and on the locking element (22), respectively, so that the surface of the cylindrical pin (24) is arranged to be freely rotatable and freely displaceable in the axial direction of the cylindrical pin.