DESC:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of invention:
A CLAMPING APPARATUS FOR A HOLLOW SECTION

Applicant:
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
A company Incorporated in India under the Companies Act, 1956
Under Ministry of Defence,
(A Govt. of India Undertaking)
Having address:
Dockyard Road, Mazagon,
Mumbai - 400010, Maharashtra, India

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY
The present application claims priority from Indian Provisional Application No. 201821043317 filed on 17th November, 2018.

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure, in general, relates to the field of manufacturing. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to a clamping apparatus for a hollow section.
BACKGROUND
Generally, adaptors are manufactured based on the requirement of various onboard systems. The adaptors are used for connecting two systems for transferring the fluid between onboard systems. The adaptors comprises of a threaded portion on a front end and a rear end and connected between two onboard systems. Additionally the adaptors comprises a hexagonal head at a center for ease in tightening through spanner and hollow portion in the center for passing of fluid between systems. Typically, manufacturing of semi-finished adaptor involves turning of round stock, threading and boring operation on a lathe machine. Further, the semi-finished adaptor is sent to a milling machine for carrying out hexagonal machining at the center of the adaptor. However, during machining of the hexagon head at the center holding the adaptor on chuck of is a difficult task.
Conventionally, the semi-finished adaptor is fixed on the chuck of the indexing attachment through the threaded portion. Thus, there is a possibility of thread damage due to increase clamping force. In case the thread gets damage, redressing of damaged thread increase time and cost. Furthermore, probability of tool hitting to the indexing attachment is more as the adaptor is directly fixed into the chuck.
SUMMARY
Before the present systems and methods for a clamping apparatus for a hollow section, are described, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular systems, and methodologies described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to the clamping apparatus for the hollow section. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In one implementation, a clamping apparatus for a hollow section is illustrated. In one embodiment, the clamping apparatus for the hollow section may comprise of at least one elongated body member. Further the elongated body member comprise of a spindle having a tapered front end and a threaded rear end. Further, the clamping apparatus for the hollow section may comprise a mandrel. The mandrel comprises a housing to assist the elongated body member. Further, the clamping apparatus for the hollow section may comprise plurality of jaws configured to be inserted on a slot provided on the mandrel.
In another implementation, a method for clamping apparatus for a hollow section is illustrated. In one method the clamping apparatus for the hollow section may comprise checking of an internal diameter of an adaptor and choosing plurality of jaws to accommodate the adaptor. Furthermore, a mandrel may be clamped to accommodate the adaptor on an index able head. The method for clamping apparatus for the hollow section may further comprise tightening of a fastener on a spindle inserted inside the mandrel to hold the adaptor rigidly from inside. Further, machining of the adaptor by indexing the mandrel. The method for clamping apparatus for the hollow section may further comprise removing of the adaptor by loosening the fastener after machining.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer like features and components.
Figure 1 illustrates a clamping assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 2 illustrates a spindle of clamping apparatus for a hollow section, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 3 illustrates a plurality of jaws of clamping apparatus for a hollow section, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 4 illustrates a mandrel of clamping apparatus for a hollow section, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 5 illustrates a method of clamping apparatus for a hollow section, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Some embodiments of the present disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words “obtaining”, “identifying”, “determining”, “calculating”, “computing”, and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any systems and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary, a clamping apparatus for a hollow section is now described. The disclosed embodiments of the clamping apparatus for the hollow section are merely exemplary of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms.
Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure for a clamping apparatus for a hollow section is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
The present subject matter relates to a clamping apparatus for a hollow section. The clamping apparatus for the hollow section may comprise of at least one elongated body member. Further the elongated body member comprises of a spindle having a tapered front end and a threaded rear end. Further, a mandrel comprises of a housing to assist the elongated body member. Further, a plurality of jaws configured to be inserted on a slot provided on the mandrel.
Referring now to figure 1 and figure 2, a clamping apparatus and a spindle of the clamping apparatus for a hollow section are illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
In one embodiment, the clamping apparatus for the hollow section may comprise of the elongated body member. Further, the elongated body member comprises a spindle having a tapered front end and a threaded rear end. Further, the spindle internal diameter may be measured to be 190 mm long. The tapered front end cross section may be measured to be in a ratio of 1:40 at the front end. Further, the tapered front end of the spindle may have cross section area of 11? for 30 mm length and reduces to 9? for 60 mm length. The threaded rear end may have cross section area of ratio of M8. Hence, the tapered front end dimension reduces towards the threaded rear end to accommodate inside the mandrel.
Referring now to figure 3, a plurality of jaws of clamping apparatus for a hollow section is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
In one embodiment, the jaws comprises a quadrilateral shaped structure with length of (40*20) mm and thickness of 6 mm. The diameter of the jaws varies based on the hollow section. Further, for 25-26 mm diameter of the jaws the cross section measured to be length of 8 mm and 7.5 mm. Further, for 26-27 mm diameter of the jaws the cross section measured to be length of 9 mm and 8.5 mm. Further, for 27-28 mm diameter of the jaws the cross section measured to be length of 10 mm and 9.5 mm. Further, for 28-29 mm diameter of the jaws the cross section measured to be length of 11 mm and 10.5 mm. Further, for 29-30 mm diameter of the jaws the cross section measured to be length of 12 mm and 11.5mm.
Referring now to figure 4, a front view of a mandrel of clamping apparatus for a hollow section is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
In one embodiment, the length of the mandrel may be measured to be 170 mm. Further, the mandrel comprises four number of slots of cross section 4 mm in length and 40 mm in thickness. The slots are inserted into the mandrel for accommodating the spindle. Further, the diameter of 20 mm threaded portion of the spindle remains outside the mandrel. Further, a fastener is connected to tighten the spindle. Further, the fastener may comprise a nut but not limited to bolt, screw, or any other mechanical fastener. Further, tightening of the fastener may pull the spindle axially outward due to the tapered rear end. Further, the axial movement of the spindle may push the jaws (inserted in the slots made on mandrel section A-A) outside in radial direction through the section A-A. Hence, the radial outward direction of the jaws may be controlled. Therefore, the radial outward movement of the jaws may offer sufficient holding pressure to the hollow section. Further, the hollow section may be hold from inside on a chuck of indexing head.
Referring now to figure 5, a method for the mandrel of clamping apparatus for the hollow section is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In one embodiment, the method may further comprise steps for machining of the hollow section.
At block 202, an internal diameter of the hollow section may be checked and plurality of jaws may be chosen to accommodate the hollow section.
At block 204, a mandrel may be clamped to accommodate the hollow section on an index able head so that plurality of jaws touch a collar of the mandrel.
At block 206, a fastener may be tightened on the spindle. The spindle may be inserted inside the mandrel to hold the hollow section rigidly from inside the mandrel.
At block 208, the hollow section may be machined by indexing the mandrel.
At block 210, the hollow section may be removed by loosening the fastener after machining.
Accordingly the subject matter discloses a clamping apparatus (100) for a hollow section, comprising a mandrel (104), an elongated body member (102) configured to be axially inserted in said mandrel; and plurality of jaws (106) configured to be inserted on plurality of radial slot provided on the mandrel (104).
The elongated body member (102) is a spindle configured with a threaded front end, tapered intermediate portion and cylindrical at rear end, wherein tapered intermediate portion is configured to expand the jaws of the mandrel circumferentially outwardly on fastening of the nut on the front end of said spindle (102). The tapered intermediate portion of spindle is configured with a ratio of 1:40. The fastener means, or nuts are configured for actuation of the spindle for clamping said hollow section on mandrel.
The clamping apparatus (100) is configured to hold hollow section from inside and to mount said clamping apparatus (100) on a chuck for indexing and head machining of said hollow section. The mandrel is a push-fit element configured to be mounted on the chuck.
A method for clamping apparatus (200) for a hollow section, the method comprising steps of:
Checking (202) an internal diameter of a hollow section to be mounted and accordingly choosing plurality of jaws (106) to mount the hollow section (106);
Clamping (204) a mandrel (104) assembly on machine to accommodate the hollow section on an index table head so that plurality of jaws touches a collar of the mandrel (104);
Tightening (206) a fastener on a spindle inserted inside the mandrel to hold the hollow section rigidly from inside;
Machining (208) of the hollow section by indexing the mandrel; and
Removing (210) of the hollow section by loosening the fastener after machining.

The spindle is configured to be inserted from the rear end of the mandrel. The fastener is tightened or loosened for providing axial movement of the spindle, configured for radial movement of said jaws for controlling the radial outward and inward movement of the plurality of the jaws for clamping and unclamping of said hollow section on mandrel. The plurality of jaws touches a collar of the mandrel (104).
Exemplary embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these advantages may include those provided by the following features.
Some embodiments of clamping apparatus for the hollow section may eliminates the de-threading of the hollow section due to clamping pressure.
Some embodiments of clamping apparatus for the hollow section may hold the set of diameters irrespective of the machining operation required on the hollow section.
Some embodiments of clamping apparatus for the hollow section may offer self-aligning property of the mandrel that reduces user’s effort required for truing & alignment of the hollow section.
Some embodiments of clamping apparatus for the hollow section may offer multiple operations on different machines (Lathe, Milling & Grinding) and can be done on the components with the holding arrangement (Mandrel).
Some embodiments of clamping apparatus for the hollow section may offer lesser cross section area to be machined.
Some embodiments of clamping apparatus for the hollow section may offer to hold hollow section of shorter length jobs which are difficult to hold on machine due to possibility of hitting of tool on chuck.
Some embodiments of clamping apparatus for the hollow section may offer pipe machining operation to be machined in close tolerance and single setting.
Some embodiments of clamping apparatus for the hollow section may eliminate frequent truing and frequent change in setting for every single component.
Although implementations for clamping apparatus for the hollow section have been described, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as examples of implementations for clamping apparatus for the hollow section.
,CLAIMS:
1. A clamping apparatus (100) for a hollow section, comprising:
at least one mandrel (104);
at least one elongated body member (102) configured to be inserted axially in said mandrel; and
plurality of jaws (106) configured to be inserted on plurality of radial slots provided on the mandrel (104).
2. The clamping apparatus (100) for a hollow section as claimed in claim 1, wherein said elongated body member (102) is a spindle configured with a threaded front end, tapered intermediate portion and cylindrical at rear end wherein tapered intermediate portion is configured to expand the jaws of the mandrel circumferentially outwardly on fastening of the nut on the front end of said spindle (102).
3. The clamping apparatus (100) for a hollow section as claimed in claim 1, wherein according to one embodiment, said tapered intermediate portion of spindle is configured with a ratio of 1:40.
4. The clamping apparatus (100) for a hollow section as claimed in claim 1, wherein said clamping apparatus (100) is configured with a fastener means for actuation of the spindle, for clamping said hollow section on mandrel.
5. The clamping apparatus (100) for a hollow section as claimed in claim 1, wherein said clamping apparatus (100) hollow section is configured to hold hollow section from inside and to mount said clamping apparatus (100) on a chuck for indexing and head machining of said hollow section.
6. The clamping apparatus (100) for a hollow section as claimed in claim 1, wherein said mandrel is a push-fit element configured to be mounted on the chuck.
7. A method for clamping apparatus (100) for a hollow section, the method comprising steps of:
checking an internal diameter of a hollow section to be mounted and accordingly choosing plurality of jaws (106) to mount the hollow section;
clamping a mandrel (104) assembly on machine to accommodate the hollow section on an index table head so that plurality of jaws touches a collar of the mandrel (104);
tightening a fastener on a spindle inserted inside the mandrel to hold the hollow section rigidly from inside;
machining of the hollow section by indexing the mandrel; and
removing of the hollow section by loosening the fastener after machining.
8. The method for clamping apparatus (100) for a hollow section as claimed in claim 5, wherein said spindle is configured to be inserted from the rear end of the mandrel.
9. The method for clamping apparatus (100) for a hollow section as claimed in claim 5, wherein said fastener is tightened or loosened for providing axial movement of the spindle, configured for radial movement of said jaws for controlling the radial outward and inward movement of the plurality of the jaws for clamping and unclamping of said hollow section on mandrel.
10. The method of clamping apparatus (100) for a hollow section as claimed in claim 5, wherein plurality of jaws touches a collar of the mandrel (104).