Actuator Component with Relief Surface for Compact Machine Tool Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine tool assemblies with actuator components for clamping cutting inserts lack compactness and stability, particularly for small tools, leading to a higher risk of components falling during assembly.

Innovation Solution

A machine tool assembly with an actuator component featuring an actuator ramping surface and relief surface slanted at acute internal angles, allowing for compact construction and easy disengagement with minimal movement, using a reduced number of components, and incorporating a biasing element for stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If traditional actuator components with standard ramping surfaces are used, then the assembly provides sufficient clamping force, but the assembly lacks compactness and has larger dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator component sizeVSAvoidcomponent stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the actuator surfaces by introducing different acute internal angles (α for relief surface, β for ramping surface) relative to the actuator axis. This angular parameter optimization enables compact dimensions while maintaining reliable clamping functionality through improved force distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the actuator component is designed with larger dimensions for stability, then component stability improves, but the likelihood of elements falling during assembly increases for small tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly stabilityVSAvoidelement falling risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By optimizing the acute internal angles α and β of the actuator surfaces, the patent achieves stable assembly with compact dimensions, eliminating the element falling risk associated with oversized components in small tool applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If conventional actuator designs are used, then the assembly provides adequate clamping function, but the construction is not compact and requires more components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidactuator component dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the relief surface and ramping surface into a single integrated actuator component with optimized angular geometry, reducing the total number of components while achieving compact dimensions and maintaining clamping functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3016769B1Machine tool assembly for machining workpieces and actuator component thereof
Publication Date: 2019.12.04 ISCAR LTD
  • EP3016769B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1D
  • EP3016769B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3016769B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A machine tool assembly includes a basic body, and a clamp and an actuator component mounted to the basic body. The clamp and actuator components include ramping surfaces for cooperatively biasing the clamp into an engagement position. The actuator component is configured to move along an actuator movement axis and includes an actuator relief surface connected, and extending at a different angle, to the actuator component's ramping surface. The different angle is configured to facilitate disengagement of the actuator component and clamp for a smaller movement of the actuator component along the actuator movement axis than would have been the case in the absence of such configuration, thereby allowing a compact construction of the assembly.