Automated Collet Assembly for Precise Milling Workpiece Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional workpiece setup and positioning methods in milling machines are time-consuming and labor-intensive, leading to increased costs due to manual alignment and clamping processes.
Innovation Solution
A collet assembly with resilient fingers and a piston assembly that allows for automatic loading and clamping of workpieces, featuring a method of mounting a collet to a workpiece by moving fingers to an unclamped position, applying a clamping force, and inserting it into a chuck, along with a robotic arm for automated alignment and loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual workpiece setup and positioning methods are used, then operators can precisely align and clamp workpieces, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The collet assembly performs self-alignment through its resilient fingers that automatically conform to the workpiece geometry when inserted into the chuck. The fingers deflect and apply clamping force without requiring manual positioning, enabling the system to self-adjust and self-clamp the workpiece in one automated motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated pneumatic or hydraulic actuation system. The actuator drives the collet fingers to open, close, and clamp the workpiece automatically, substituting operator manipulation with mechanized control while maintaining precise alignment through the collet's inherent design.
2Force
If manual clamping operations are performed, then operators can adjust clamping force, but the process requires significant labor and increases operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The manual clamping operation is replaced by an actuator system that automatically applies and controls clamping force. The actuator translates rotational or linear motion into radial finger movement, providing consistent and repeatable clamping force without requiring operator intervention or judgment.
Solution Approach 2:
The collet assembly incorporates a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator that generates the necessary clamping force through fluid pressure. This allows high clamping forces to be applied automatically and controllably, replacing manual mechanical force application with fluid-powered actuation.
3Productivity
If automated collet assembly is implemented, then workpiece mounting speed and efficiency increase, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated collet assembly: the resilient fingers provide both alignment and clamping, the actuator provides both motion and force application, and the entire assembly mounts directly to the chuck. This functional integration achieves automation and high speed while minimizing the number of separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The collet assembly is designed as a universal fixture that can accommodate different workpiece geometries through its resilient fingers. The same basic structure serves multiple purposes: guiding workpiece insertion, aligning the workpiece, applying clamping force, and securing the workpiece for machining operations.
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
Facilitates efficient and automated workpiece mounting, reducing labor costs and time, and ensuring precise alignment and clamping, thereby improving machining efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a collet comprising resilient fingers applying a clamping force affixing the collet to the workpiece
Implementation Method 2
a piston assembly having a mandrel movable between a retracted position to an extended position to move the fingers from the clamping position to non-clamping position
Data Source
AI summary
A milling machine can include a chuck and at least one tool. The chuck is rotatable about a first rotational axis and has clamping jaws. The at least one tool is movable relative to the first rotational axis. An assembly for the milling machine includes a workpiece and a collet. The collet includes fingers affixing the collet to the workpiece. The collet also includes a chuck mount receivable within the chuck. The chuck is rotatable about a first rotational axis and has clamping jaws. The at least one tool is movable relative to the first rotational axis. An assembly for the milling machine includes a workpiece and a collet. The collet includes fingers affixing the collet to the workpiece. The collet also includes a chuck mount receivable within the chuck.