Development of a clamping device with an expert system for determining clamping force based on workpiece dimensions, including the creation of a database for developing an AI algorithm to automate clamping procedures

Brief Project Description

The project is being implemented with the aim of demonstrating an innovative concept of a clamping device with an expert system for determining the clamping force depending on the dimensional characteristics of workpieces through 12 months of research and development activities. In addition to the research and development activities, the project also plans, subject to confirmation of the innovative concept, activities related to market analysis and innovation cycle management.

The project aims to demonstrate that, through a specially designed clamping device, precise calibration and testing on different types of materials, a reliable database of the required clamping forces and deformation points of individual materials at specific forces can be created. This database will form the foundation for the future development of an AI algorithm. This would address a key problem encountered in material machining: identifying the deformation point of a workpiece caused by a defined clamping force immediately before deformation actually occurs.

The Beneficiary will develop its own standardized clamping device consisting of the following structural elements:

• a clamping-device support, which forms the basis for further assembly, as the remaining elements are mounted onto it. Particular attention will be paid to the compactness and strength of the support, as these parameters significantly affect the reduction of vibrations occurring during machining and causing deformation,
• a workpiece positioning element whose main function is to fix and accurately position the workpiece, i.e. to restrict its degrees of freedom,
• a hydraulic clamping mechanism that prevents the workpiece from moving during machining as a result of the applied clamping force and secures the previously determined position of the workpiece in the device,
• an operating element whose primary function is to transfer the operator’s force to the components of the clamping device.

The project includes the following activities:

1. Prototype development,
2. Demonstration of technical feasibility,
3. Market analysis,
4. Innovation cycle management,
5. Project management,
6. Promotion and visibility.

Project Objectives and Expected Results

The activities planned as part of the project will consequently increase the Beneficiary’s readiness to develop new products by improving the company’s research, development and innovation capacities. In addition to prototype development and demonstration of technical feasibility, the project also includes market analysis and innovation cycle management activities aimed at preparing a market analysis document, conducting patent database searches and creating the prerequisites for intellectual property protection in target markets. The project therefore also contributes positively to achieving the specific objective of the Call, “Improving the market readiness of research and development results”. One of the project results is also the employment of a researcher by the Beneficiary after completion of the project, thereby contributing to the specific objective of “Improving enterprise capacities for research, development and innovation”.

The successful implementation of the project is expected to achieve the following results:

• introduction of one new innovative product to the market in year m+5,
• completion of a preliminary patent database search in year m,
• submission of an intellectual property protection application in year m+3,
• preparation of a market analysis document in year m,
• employment of new researchers by the Beneficiary in year m+3.

The activities of the project will result in one of four potential outcomes:

1. Concept successfully demonstrated,
2. Concept partially demonstrated,
3. Concept demonstrated with additional unplanned results,
4. Concept not confirmed.

The Beneficiary intends to finance future development costs, which will naturally depend on one of the outcomes described above, using its own funds or, if necessary, a bank loan. In addition, the Beneficiary intends to apply for available calls financed by European Union or national funds, provided that they are aligned with the Beneficiary’s future plans for the development of the innovative solution.

Total Project Value and EU Co-Financing Amount

• Total project value: EUR 103,603.12
• Total project value (eligible costs): EUR 95,997.29
• EU contribution to project financing: EUR 65,398.10

Project Implementation Period

01 February 2024 – 01 February 2025.

Contact for further information

e-mail: sela@sela.hr

Links

strukturnifondovi.hr
planoporavka.gov.hr
fondovieu.gov.hr/eu-fondovi

Funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.