Zero Point Clamping Unit Perpendicular Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping units are not as flat as possible, are not easy to operate, and require complex and costly constructions with hydraulic or pneumatic drives for reliable operation.
Innovation Solution
A clamping unit with an actuator that moves perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis, allowing the locking element to be displaced between clamping and release positions, featuring a coupling cam and groove mechanism for simple movement coupling, and a manually actuated unit that eliminates the need for complex drives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the actuator moves along the central longitudinal axis to displace locking elements, then the locking elements can be moved between clamping and release positions, but the clamping unit requires significant installation space and becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the actuation direction from axial (along the central longitudinal axis) to radial (perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis). The actuator now moves in a direction perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis, which allows the locking elements to be displaced radially between clamping and release positions. This dimensional change reduces the axial length requirement and creates a more compact clamping unit design.
2Reliability
If hydraulic or pneumatic drives are used to actuate the clamping unit, then reliable operation is achieved, but the construction becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex hydraulic or pneumatic drive systems from the clamping unit. Instead, it employs a simplified manual actuation mechanism where an actuator is directly moved perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis, possibly by hand or with simple mechanical assistance. This extraction of complex drive systems maintains operational reliability while significantly reducing construction complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping unit is designed to be self-actuating through a simple mechanical mechanism. The actuator can be moved directly by the operator without requiring external hydraulic or pneumatic power sources. The locking elements are displaced through direct mechanical coupling, allowing the system to serve itself without complex auxiliary systems.
3Volume of moving object
If the actuator moves perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis, then the clamping unit becomes more compact and cost-effective, but the movement coupling mechanism must be precisely designed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movement coupling mechanism as an intermediary between the actuator and the locking elements. This coupling mechanism translates the perpendicular movement of the actuator into radial displacement of the locking elements. The coupling mechanism absorbs and manages the precision requirements, allowing the overall system to achieve compact dimensions while maintaining adequate manufacturing tolerances through the intermediate coupling structure.
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
The solution provides a compact, cost-effective, and easily operated clamping unit that can be produced inexpensively, with a simple actuation mechanism that does not require hydraulic or pneumatic drives, ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator has a coupling cam or a coupling groove for the movement coupling with the locking element and that the locking element has a complementary coupling groove or a complementary coupling cam. The coupling cam consequently engages in the coupling groove, so that the locking element can be displaced in the direction of displacement due to the movement of the actuator.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~3a
AI summary
Clamping unit, in particular zero-point clamping unit, with a housing, with a clamping receptacle provided in the housing for receiving a clamping element with a locking element that can be displaced in a radial displacement direction towards a central longitudinal axis, and with an actuating element that actuates the locking element, wherein the actuating element is movable in a direction of movement perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis, so that the locking element can be displaced between a clamping position for clamping the clamping element and a release position for releasing the clamping element due to the movement of the actuating element.