Annular Tool Holder with Spring Retaining Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool holders for processing tools, particularly in optical workpiece processing, face challenges in simple and safe tool change operations without requiring a direct view or free field of view, and often involve complex connections that can lead to reduced precision and increased tool wear.
Innovation Solution
A tool holder with a simple structural design featuring an annular holder head and retaining elements, combined with a processing tool having a base body and an elastic intermediate layer, allows for reversible and secure connection to the tool spindle without moving parts, enabling easy manual tool change and precise control during processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a complex connection structure with moving parts (ball head, rubber-elastic component, flexure bearing) is used, then the tool holder can accommodate tool changes, but the guidance and control precision of the processing tool deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex moving parts (ball head, rubber-elastic component, flexure bearing) from the tool holder structure, extracting only the essential retaining elements. This extraction eliminates the sources of imprecision while preserving the ability to change tools manually through the simplified retaining elements and receiving openings design.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool holder is segmented into distinct functional elements: retaining elements for secure attachment, receiving openings for tool engagement, and a rigid holder head for precision mounting. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without the complexity of integrated moving parts.
2Manufacturing precision
If a rigid connection without moving parts is used, then the guidance and control precision improves, but the ease of manual tool change deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic elements in the form of spring elements with legs that can flexibly engage with the retaining elements. This dynamic mechanism allows manual tool changes through simple pushing and rotating motions while maintaining a rigid connection during operation, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool holder and processing tool are designed with self-aligning features where the spring elements and retaining elements automatically engage when the tool is pushed into place. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures or additional components, enabling easy manual tool changes while maintaining rigid connection.
3Reliability
If additional components are used for secure connection, then the reliability of tool attachment improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the retaining elements directly into the holder head structure, eliminating the need for separate retaining components. The spring elements with legs are integrated into the base body, creating a unified structure that provides secure attachment without additional complexity. This merging achieves reliability through the inherent design of the integrated components.
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
This solution facilitates quick, safe, and single-handed tool changes without additional components, ensuring the tool remains securely attached during processing, enhancing precision and extending tool service life by allowing changes every four hours, and accommodating extreme optical surface geometries.
Implementation Method 1
The base body (321) comprises spring elements (326, 327), wherein the spring elements have legs (328, 329) which enclose a receiving opening (327')
Implementation Method 2
at least two retaining elements (124) are arranged on the annular rim (123)... connected reversibly in a form-fitting manner
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a tool holder for a processing tool for processing optical workpieces with a holder head for receiving a processing tool and a holder body for fastening the tool holder to a tool spindle. According to the invention, it is provided that the holder head is annular with an annular rim and that at least two holding elements are arranged on the annular rim. The present invention relates further to a processing tool for processing optical workpieces having receiving openings in its base body.