Automatic Mechanical Chuck Coupling for Wide Clamping Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chucks, particularly non-hydraulic or pneumatically operated ones, face limitations in precision, dimension suitability, and clamping force variability, requiring frequent manual replacement to accommodate tools or workpieces of different dimensions, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
The chuck design incorporates mechanical components for automatic interchangeability and precise control, utilizing a drive motor with a gear system and spiral ring for large clamping jaw adjustments, allowing for flexible use with various workpieces, and includes a purely mechanical transmission and optional hydraulic or pneumatic fine adjustment for small adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If hydraulic or pneumatic chucks are used to achieve automatic and quick switching, then the switching speed and automation are improved, but the clamping range is limited to only +/- 10 mm
Solution Approach 1:
The chuck is divided into modular components: a body that remains fixed and interchangeable jaws that can be independently replaced. This segmentation allows the jaw assembly to be quickly swapped to accommodate different clamping ranges while maintaining the automated body functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The chuck body is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of jaws with different clamping ranges. The standardized interface and mounting mechanism allow a single body to perform multiple clamping functions by simply changing the jaw assembly.
2Force
If the clamping force is increased to accommodate various dimensions, then the clamping capability is improved, but the chuck requires replacement or jaw repositioning for different diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The jaws are designed with movable and adjustable features, allowing dynamic repositioning along the chuck body. The jaws can be moved axially and radially to accommodate different workpiece dimensions while maintaining optimal clamping force distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw positioning system allows continuous adjustment of jaw parameters (position, angle, distance) to match different workpiece dimensions. This parameter variability enables the same chuck body to effectively clamp workpieces of different diameters without replacement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual replacement of chucks is performed to accommodate different workpieces, then the adaptability is improved, but the productivity and labor efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple jaw assemblies are pre-configured with different clamping ranges and characteristics, then quickly interchangeable. The pre-prepared jaw sets eliminate the need for complex on-site adjustments, allowing rapid switching between different workpiece types.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual chuck replacement operation is replaced by an automated jaw-changing mechanism. A robotic system or automated carriage retrieves and installs the appropriate jaw assembly based on workpiece dimensions, eliminating manual intervention and significantly improving productivity.
4Volume of moving object
If the chuck design is made more compact to reduce size, then the space efficiency is improved, but the clamping range and versatility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The jaws are designed to nest within the chuck body when retracted, minimizing the overall footprint. The modular jaw assemblies can be stored in compact configurations within the chuck housing, allowing a large clamping range capability in a compact form factor.
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 design enables efficient, precise, and automatic clamping of workpieces with high clamping force and long clamping paths, reducing production costs and simplifying control, while allowing for a compact and versatile chuck suitable for various machining operations.
Implementation Method 1
a spiral ring (3) arranged below the jaws (2), which engages with guide grooves (2f) provided in corresponding recesses (2r) of the jaws (2) for translational movement of the jaws (2) along a clamping plane (E)
Implementation Method 2
a drive motor (20), which, via a coupling (10), is designed to drive a transmission, in particular a purely mechanical transmission
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a chuck (1) for clamping workpieces or tools in a clamping chamber (21) with a clamping force (F) comprising: - at least two clamping jaws (2) movable translationally along a clamping plane (E) in the direction of a center Z of the clamping chamber (21), wherein the clamping chamber (21) is formed by end faces (2s) of the clamping jaws (2), and - a transmission, in particular purely mechanical, preferably purely positive-locking, arranged at least predominantly inside the chuck (1) for transmitting a drive torque of a drive motor (20) that can be coupled to the transmission by means of the transmission to the clamping jaws (2) for moving the clamping jaws (2), wherein the, in particular purely mechanical, preferably purely positive-locking,The coupling means can be automatically coupled to a corresponding coupling connection of the drive motor (20) and can be executed solely by the drive motor (20) and the movement performed by the drive motor (20) via the gearbox from the maximum size of the clamping space (21) to the minimum size of the clamping space (21). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system comprising such a chuck (1) and the drive motor (20), in particular provided in a chuck receptacle (13) for receiving the chuck (1) and/or the drive motor (20), as well as an exchange device for exchanging the chuck, in particular a robot arm.