Automatic Jaw Exchanger for Continuous Chuck Jaw Changeover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools face difficulties in efficiently storing jaws in a stocker, requiring manual intervention and disrupting machine operation, which complicates the process and increases downtime.
Innovation Solution
A jaw exchanger system that includes a stocker, a stocker movement mechanism, and a jaw transferor, allowing for the automatic transfer of jaws between a jaw receiver and a chuck body, enabling storage without interrupting machine operation and reducing manual handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual jaw storage is implemented, then jaw storage capability is provided, but machine operation is interrupted and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw exchanger is configured to automatically exchange jaws between the chuck body and stocker without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by integrating the jaw transferor, stocker movement mechanism, and stocker to create an autonomous jaw storage and retrieval system that operates during machine cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The stocker pre-stores multiple jaws in ready positions before they are needed. The stocker movement mechanism positions the stocker at predetermined locations (first position for receiving jaws, second position for supplying jaws to chuck) in advance, allowing immediate jaw exchange without interrupting machine operation.
2Productivity
If automatic jaw exchange is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw exchanger is divided into distinct functional modules: the stocker for storing jaws, the stocker movement mechanism for positioning the stocker, and the jaw transferor for transferring jaws. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stocker serves multiple functions: storing multiple jaws, receiving jaws from the jaw receiver at the first position, and supplying jaws to the chuck body at the second position. The stocker movement mechanism enables the stocker to move between different positions, making the same component versatile for both jaw reception and jaw supply operations.
3Loss of time
If jaw storage is performed during operation, then downtime is reduced, but precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller coordinates the stocker movement mechanism and jaw transferor based on real-time machine operation status. The system monitors when jaw exchange is needed and automatically actuates the appropriate mechanisms, ensuring precise timing and positioning without requiring manual intervention or causing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The stocker is designed to move dynamically between a first position (for receiving jaws) and a second position (for supplying jaws to the chuck). This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt to different operational phases, maintaining precision while enabling continuous operation during jaw exchanges.
Data Source
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AI summary
A jaw exchanger includes: a stocker in which a jaw attachable to a chuck body rotatable about a rotation axis is storable; a stocker movement mechanism configured to move the stocker between a first position and a second position; and a jaw transferor. The jaw transferor is configured to transfer the jaw to the stocker provided at the first position from a jaw receiver configured to receive the jaw. The jaw transferor is also configured to transfer the jaw to the chuck body from the stocker provided at the second position.