Auto-Sizing Chuck Jaw Mechanism for Quick Tool Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auto sizing chucks require rotation to adjust between open and closed positions, which can be cumbersome and inefficient for quickly accommodating tools of different sizes.
Innovation Solution
A chuck design featuring obliquely arranged slots and jaws with a biasing member and a rotating assembly that allows jaws to move between open and closed positions without rotation, enabling quick adjustment and secure tool holding with minimal rotation of the assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the chuck requires rotation to adjust between open and closed positions, then the jaws can be securely tightened, but the adjustment process becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the jaw position is no longer tied to rotational movement. Instead, the jaw can move independently along the longitudinal axis between open and closed positions through a biasing member, while the rotating assembly can be engaged or disengaged as needed. This decoupling of adjustment motion from rotational motion allows quick repositioning without the time-consuming rotation required in traditional chucks.
2Productivity
If the jaws are free to move between open and closed positions without rotation, then quick adjustment is enabled, but a mechanism is needed to control and secure the jaw position
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member automatically pushes the jaw toward the closed position, providing self-service functionality. When the rotating assembly is disengaged, the biasing member ensures the jaw returns to or remains in the closed position without requiring active control or additional energy input. This automatic positioning simplifies the control mechanism while enabling quick tool changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating assembly acts as an intermediary control mechanism. When engaged, it provides threaded engagement with the jaw to securely hold the jaw in the closed position during operation. When disengaged, it allows the jaw to move freely under the influence of the biasing member. This intermediary component enables the transition between quick adjustment and secure holding without complex control systems.
3Reliability
If the rotating assembly is selectively engageable with the jaws, then secure tool holding is achieved, but the engagement mechanism adds structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tightening function from the continuous rotation mechanism found in traditional chucks. Instead of requiring continuous rotation to maintain jaw pressure, the rotating assembly is selectively engaged only when tightening is needed. Once engaged, a minimal rotation secures the tool, and the assembly can be disengaged for quick release. This extraction of the essential tightening function reduces the complexity of the engagement mechanism while maintaining reliable tool holding.
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
Enables rapid and secure adjustment to fit tools of various diameters with reduced rotational effort, enhancing usability and efficiency in tool handling.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is coupled to the plurality of jaws and is operable to bias the plurality of jaws toward the close position
Data Source
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AI summary
A chuck (10, 10a) includes a chuck body (20) extending along a longitudinal axis (60), the chuck body (20) including a plurality of slots (80) each arranged at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis (60). A plurality of jaws (100) each includes a first engagement portion, a jaw end, and a drive end. Each of the jaws (100) is disposed within one of the plurality of slots (80) and is movable between a close position and an open position. A biasing member is coupled to the plurality of jaws (100) and is operable to bias the plurality of jaws (100) toward the close position and a rotating assembly (30) is selectively engageable with the plurality of jaws (100) such that when engaged, the plurality of jaws (100) are movable in response to rotation of the rotating assembly (30).