Zero-Point Clamping with Rotary Actuation for Compact Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zero-point clamping devices require large structural dimensions due to axial feed movements and frictional connections, limiting their use in space-constrained machine tool environments and necessitating separate drives for each device.
Innovation Solution
A compact zero-point clamping device design featuring a rotatably mounted actuating element with pivot pins and guide grooves, allowing for synchronous radial movement of clamping slides and enabling multiple devices to be driven by a single manual, electric, or hydraulic drive, with actuating elements accessible for manual or motorized operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If axial feed movement mechanism with inclined surfaces is used to actuate clamping slides, then clamping function is achieved, but housing dimensions become large
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of converting axial movement to radial movement through inclined surfaces (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by using a rotatable actuating element where radial movement of clamping slides is achieved through rotational motion. The guide grooves in the actuating element convert rotation into radial displacement, eliminating the need for large axial stroke space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dimension of actuation from axial (linear) to rotational. The actuating element rotates about an axis, and through the guide grooves, this rotational motion is transformed into radial movement of clamping slides. This dimensional change allows compact housing design as rotational motion requires minimal space compared to large axial strokes.
2Length of moving object
If inclined surfaces are used between setting piston and clamping slides, then radial feed movement is achieved, but infeed path of clamping slides becomes extremely small
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using inclined surfaces to convert axial piston movement into radial slide movement, the patent uses guide grooves in a rotatable actuating element. The guide grooves are oriented such that rotation of the actuating element directly produces radial movement of clamping slides, inverting the conventional conversion mechanism and achieving adequate infeed path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic rotational actuating element with guide grooves that adapt to the motion requirements. The guide grooves are designed to convert rotational motion into radial displacement, providing sufficient infeed path for clamping slides while maintaining compact dimensions. This dynamic mechanism overcomes the limitation of fixed inclined surfaces.
3Force
If frictional connection between setting piston and clamping slides is used, then clamping force is transmitted, but outer diameter of housing must be considerably enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the frictional connection element (setting piston) from the system and replaces it with a rotational actuating element with guide grooves. The new mechanism transmits clamping force through direct mechanical guidance rather than friction, eliminating the need for large housing outer diameter to accommodate friction-based force transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the friction-based mechanical force transmission system with a guide groove-based mechanical guidance system. The guide grooves in the actuating element directly guide the clamping slides, providing force transmission without relying on friction between piston and slides, thus reducing housing outer diameter requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate drives are used for each clamping device, then independent control is achieved, but drive system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables multiple clamping devices to share a common drive mechanism. The actuating elements of multiple clamping devices can be coupled together through their guide grooves and pivot pins, allowing a single rotational drive to simultaneously actuate multiple clamping slides. This merging reduces drive system complexity while maintaining coordinated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element with guide grooves serves multiple functions: it actuates clamping slides, transmits rotational motion, and can be coupled with other actuating elements to drive multiple clamping devices. This multi-functionality allows a single drive mechanism to control multiple clamping devices, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A zero-point clamping device for centering an object (2), the device comprising: a housing (4), a receiving opening (5), and two opposite clamping slides (7, 8) mounted axially displaceably in a bore (9) in the housing (4), which open into the receiving opening (5) during clamping and act on the object (2) to center it, wherein clamping is achieved by an actuating element (11) rotatably mounted in the housing (4), the axis of rotation (12) of which runs parallel to the clamping slides (7, 8), a through-opening (13) aligned perpendicularly to the clamping slides (7, 8), and a pivot pin (14, 15) inserted into the through-opening (13), one free end (16) of which engages in a guide groove (18) in a driving arrangement, and the opposite free end (17) of which is inserted into an abutment (21) associated with the housing (4) and is held in a tilting arrangement.