Adjustable Zero-Point Clamping for Precise Workpiece Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping systems face challenges in precisely and efficiently attaching workpieces with complex geometries, such as castings, to zero-point plates due to the need for multiple clamping units and difficulty in achieving exact positioning.
Innovation Solution
A clamping system incorporating compensating connection units with adjustable zero-point bolts and connecting elements that form direct interfaces with the workpiece and zero-point plate, allowing for precise positioning and fixing without additional tools, and accommodating tolerance deviations through integrated adjustment means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple clamping units (e.g., clamping claws) are used to fasten workpieces with complex geometry, then the workpiece can be securely fastened, but the structural complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the positioning function and clamping function into a single integrated compensating connection unit. The connecting element with adjusting means simultaneously achieves precise positioning and secure fastening, eliminating the need for separate positioning devices and multiple clamping units, thus reducing structural complexity while maintaining fastening security
Solution Approach 2:
The compensating connection unit is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate workpieces with complex geometries through its adjusting means. The same connection unit structure serves multiple functions: positioning, orientation, and secure fastening, regardless of the workpiece shape, thereby reducing the variety and number of specialized clamping units needed
2Measurement precision
If standardized zero-point bolts are used to attach clamping units to the zero-point plate, then the clamping units can be positioned exactly, but the workpiece cannot be fixed in an exact position due to undefined positioning with clamping units
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting means in the compensating connection unit provides dynamic adjustment capability that allows the connection element to be precisely positioned relative to the zero-point plate. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables exact workpiece positioning by compensating for tolerances and achieving precise alignment, which static clamping units cannot provide
Solution Approach 2:
The compensating connection unit acts as an intermediary between the zero-point plate and the workpiece. It includes a connecting element that directly connects to the workpiece and a zero-point bolt that connects to the zero-point plate, with adjusting means that mediate the positioning between these two interfaces, ensuring exact workpiece positioning on the zero-point plate
3Adaptability or versatility
If expensive and complex clamping units are used to accommodate workpiece geometry variations, then different workpieces can be fastened, but the attachment time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting means allows for parameter adjustments in the compensating connection unit to accommodate different workpiece geometries. By adjusting the position and orientation of the connecting element, the same connection unit can adapt to various workpiece shapes and sizes, providing versatility without requiring multiple specialized clamping units, thus reducing attachment time
Solution Approach 2:
The compensating connection unit is designed as a modular component with distinct functional elements (connecting element, adjusting means, zero-point bolt) that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows for quick adaptation to different workpieces by adjusting individual parameters of the connection unit rather than replacing entire clamping units, reducing attachment time and effort
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a clamping system (1) for clamping a workpiece (2) onto at least one zero-point plate (3). At least one compensating connection unit (10) is provided, which has a base body (10a) from the upper side of which a connecting element (12) protrudes. The connecting element (12) can be inserted into a receptacle on the underside of the workpiece (2) and fixed there. A zero-point bolt (13) protrudes from the underside of the connecting element and can be inserted into a zero-point receptacle (3a) of the zero-point plate (3). The base body (10a) of the compensating connection unit (10) forms adjustment means. In a released position of the adjustment means, the relative position of the connecting element (12) to the zero-point bolt (13) can be adjusted. This setting can be fixed with fixing means.