Week 6:- Clamp Unit & Pin-Clamp Unit Design Challenge

OBJECTIVE:

Design 3 different types of Pin-Clamp Unit with different Riser, Blade and Clamp Arm for the given Car Panel.

SOFTWARE:

CATIA V5 R21

PARTS SWIVEL CLAMP:

• Clamp Cylinder: Clamp cylinder uses compressed air to actuate a piston that produces a force linear on the required part. Pneumatics are preferred so as to reduce noise, cleanliness and reduced requirement of storage space for working fluid (air). The cylinder here has a hinge joint that allows it to swivel. Cylinders are usually bought out parts produced by manufacturers like Tunkers.

• Clamp Arm: The clamp arm moves the clamp finger which is actuated by the cylinder. the clamp arm is hinged this allows the clamp arm to swing along with the clamp finger.

• Finger: These are the NC blocks mounted on the clamp arm and the blade that make contact with the component. The points of contact are covered in plastics called mylar so as to not damage the component.

• Stopper: The stopper restricts the movement of the clamp unit. they are 2 units mounted on the clamp arm and blade respectively and restrict the excessive movement of the clamp.

• Blade: The blade is a made part that is used to position the cylinder, riser, rest and clamp arm hinge.

• Riser: The riser is a standard part that provides the required height to the unit. It is required to have the required strength to support the unit and component.

Arresting Degrees of Freedom:

The 3-2-1 principle states that the six locators are sufficient to restrict the required degree of freedom of any workpiece. In this, motion is restricted using clamps and locators.

When 3 swivel clamp units are used up to 3 degrees of freedom can be arrested.

Principle locating points:

Determination of the locating points and clamping of the workpiece serves to restrict movements of the component in any direction while setting it in a particular pre-decided position relative to the jig.

These positions are provided by the customer and should not be changed without prior approval.

Factors to consider while designing a swivel clamp unit:

• Bought out parts should always be preferred over manufactured parts.
• All parts should be at least 10 mm away from the component.
• Mylars should be used at the end of the fingers to avoid damaging the component
• Clamp units require shims in only one direction as they only arrest the component in that direction.
• The unit must have the proper holding force as to avoid deformation due to welding or bonding.
• The swivel cylinder should be designed so that it does not clash with the component or unit.

FINAL DESIGN:

CONCLUSION:

Thus the swivel clamp pin unit is designed as per the design requirements and positioning.