Adjustable Spring Clamp Drill Holder for Wear Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drilling tool holders in rock drilling and mining operations face issues with springs wearing out, leading to loose retention of drill bits, necessitating frequent replacements and increased operating costs, and lack versatility for different tool dimensions.

Innovation Solution

A drilling tool holder with two opposing spring clamps and a mechanical tensioner that adjusts holding force, allowing compensation for wear and accommodating various tool dimensions, featuring a tensioning bolt and nut configuration for precise adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If springs are used to generate holding force in the tool holder, then the drilling tools can be retained in place, but the springs wear out over time and become too loose to hold the tools securely

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding forceVSAvoidservice life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the adjustment function from the spring mechanism itself and implements it through a separate tensioning device (screw mechanism). This allows the spring clamps to be replaced or adjusted independently, separating the retention function from the adjustment function, thereby solving the problem of springs becoming too loose over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an adjustable tensioning mechanism that allows the holding force to be dynamically modified. The screw mechanism enables operators to tighten or loosen the spring clamps as needed, transforming a static spring system into a dynamic one that can adapt to wear and different tool requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a fixed spring clamp design is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate drilling tools of different dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestructureVSAvoidtool dimension accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The spring clamps are designed with adjustable positioning along the slot, allowing them to accommodate tools of different dimensions. The tensioning mechanism enables the clamps to be positioned at different locations and tightened to appropriate forces, providing versatility without significantly increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tool holder design allows the same spring clamp mechanism to serve multiple functions: retaining tools of various sizes, adjusting to different tool weights, and accommodating different insertion positions. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized holders for different tool types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If spring clamps with high holding force are used, then tools are securely retained, but it becomes difficult to remove and insert tools quickly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool retentionVSAvoidtool insertion and removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable tensioning mechanism allows operators to temporarily reduce the holding force during tool changes, making insertion and removal easier. After the tool is secured, the tension can be increased again for secure retention during operation, thus dynamically balancing retention and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The slot design guides the tool into the correct position before the spring clamps engage fully. This preliminary positioning action reduces the force required for insertion, while the clamps then engage to provide secure retention during drilling operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution ensures secure tool retention, extends tool holder lifespan, reduces operating costs, and facilitates easy tool insertion and removal, while being adaptable to different tool sizes and easy to retrofit.

Implementation Method 1

Elastic holding forces are directed to the received drill bits in the bit spaces and frictional forces keep the drill bits in place. The holding forces may be generated by means of springs.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4660415A1Drilling tool holder, arrangement, and method of handling drilling tools
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 SANDVIK MINING & CONSTR OY
  • EP4660415A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4660415A1 patent drawingFigure 4~8
  • EP4660415A1 patent drawingFigure 9~12

AI summary

A drilling tool holder, an arrangement for storing drilling tools and a method. The drilling tool holder (14) comprises two opposing spring clamps (21) between which is a slot (20) for receiving a drilling tool (8). The tool holder comprises a mechanical tensioner (22) for adjusting holding force generated by the spring clamps.