Automatic Jaw Exchanger for Continuous Machine Tool Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools require manual intervention and machine stoppage for jaw exchange, which disrupts operations and increases downtime.
Innovation Solution
A jaw exchanger system with a stocker, stocker movement mechanism, and jaw transferor that allows jaws to be exchanged without manual entry into the machine tool, enabling continuous operation by transferring jaws between a chuck body and a stocker through controlled mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual intervention is used for jaw exchange, then the machine tool can be operated, but the operation must be stopped and downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw exchanger enables the machine tool to perform jaw exchange automatically without manual intervention. The stocker stores multiple jaws, and the exchanger mechanism automatically transfers jaws between the chuck body and stocker, allowing the system to service itself during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The stocker pre-stores multiple jaws in readiness before they are needed. This preliminary preparation allows the exchanger to quickly swap jaws without waiting for manual retrieval, reducing exchange time and maintaining productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the machine tool stops for jaw exchange, then jaws can be replaced, but operational continuity is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw exchanger operates during machine tool运行, allowing jaw replacement to occur without interrupting the machining process. The automatic exchange mechanism maintains continuous productive action by replacing jaws in-situ during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The stocker serves as an intermediary storage unit between jaw suppliers and the chuck body. It holds reserve jaws and supplies them to the exchanger mechanism, enabling seamless jaw replacement without direct manual intervention or machine stoppage.
3Productivity
If automatic jaw exchange is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw exchanger system is divided into distinct functional modules: the stocker for storage, the exchanger mechanism for transfer, and the controller for coordination. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stocker serves multiple functions: storing jaws, supplying jaws to the exchanger, and potentially receiving returned jaws. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing complexity while maintaining automatic exchange capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A jaw exchanger includes a stocker configured to store jaws which are configured to be attached to a chuck body of a machine tool, a stocker movement mechanism configured to move the stocker between a first position and a second position, and a jaw transferor configured to transfer the jaws to the stocker positioned at the first position from a jaw receiver to receive the jaws, and configured to transfer the jaws to the chuck body from the stocker positioned at the second position. The chuck body is rotatable about a rotation axis.