Adjustable Collet Bar Feeder for Multi-Diameter Workpieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tool feeders require a wide range of collets for different bar sizes, leading to increased equipment costs, space usage, and changeover times, as they are not versatile enough to handle various lengths and thicknesses of workpieces efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A feeding apparatus with a cantilever-supported collet and a dual-carriage system, utilizing a belt and pulley mechanism for precise movement, along with a second collet that can grip workpieces internally or externally, allowing a single collet to accommodate a wide range of sizes and operate within or outside the machine tool sleeve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wide range of collets with different diameters is used to handle various bar sizes, then the feeder can accommodate different workpiece dimensions, but the equipment costs, space usage, and changeover times increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single collet that can accommodate multiple bar diameters through adjustable gripping mechanisms. The collet is equipped with movable gripping elements that can be positioned at different radial distances from the center, allowing one collet to perform the function of multiple collets with different fixed diameters, thereby reducing the total number of collets needed while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the collet's gripping elements movable rather than fixed. The gripping surfaces can be adjusted radially to match different bar diameters, transforming a static, single-purpose collet into a dynamic, multi-purpose tool. This adjustability allows the same collet to adapt to various workpiece sizes without requiring physical replacement
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple collets are stored for different bar sizes, then various workpiece dimensions can be accommodated, but the space required and equipment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a universal collet that can handle multiple bar sizes through adjustment mechanisms, the patent eliminates the need to store multiple specialized collets. The single adjustable collet replaces what would otherwise require a library of different-sized collets, significantly reducing the storage space needed while maintaining the ability to process various workpiece dimensions
3Adaptability or versatility
If different collets are replaced repeatedly for different bar sizes, then the correct collet can be used for each workpiece, but the changeover times and operational interruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling rapid adjustment of the collet's gripping elements during operation. Instead of requiring time-consuming physical replacement of entire collet assemblies, the adjustable gripping surfaces can be quickly repositioned to match different bar diameters, dramatically reducing changeover time while maintaining the ability to use the correct gripping configuration for each workpiece size
Data Source
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AI summary
A feeding apparatus (1) for feeding elongated workpieces (2) through the transit and guide sleeve (23) of a machine tool, comprising at least one first collet (3) having arms (4) equipped with opposable gripping surfaces (5), in turn fitted with conical partitions (11), which are activated when the condition of a specific workpiece (2) coming into geometric contact with said grip surfaces (5) is met, where said first collet (3) can be actuated remotely, including while transiting through said sleeve (23); a pushing member (6) which, at its first end ( 6' ), supports said first collet (3), projecting horizontally towards said collet chuck, and, at its second end ( 6' '), is attached to an operating member (7); means (8) for supporting and guiding the pushing member (6), comprising at least one first carriage (9), which is alternatively movable parallel to a workpiece (2) feeder line (10), to which said operating member (7) of the pushing member (6) is attached; and means (8) for the actuated operation of at least said first collet (3), housed inside said pushing member (6).