Jig with Expandable Balloon for Mounting Processing Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing jigs for mounting and dismounting processing tools like grinding wheels on processing apparatuses often cause impact damage to the mount due to direct contact during the mounting process.

Innovation Solution

A jig with an expandable balloon mechanism that supports the processing tool and moves it towards the mount using gas expansion, reducing the impact on the mount by absorbing the collision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a vertically movable table is used to lift the processing tool toward the mount, then the processing tool can be supported and moved, but the mount is damaged on impact when the tool ascends

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for processing toolVSAvoidimpact damage to mount

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cushioning member (such as a rubber buffer or spring) between the processing tool and the vertically movable table. This cushioning member is installed in advance to absorb the impact energy when the processing tool contacts the mount, preventing damage to the mount while maintaining the support function during the lifting operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary component (cushioning member) that mediates between the processing tool and the mount. This intermediary absorbs the shock and impact during the mounting process, allowing the vertically movable table to continue providing support while protecting the mount from direct impact damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If bolts are threaded into screw holes to fix the grinding wheel to the mount, then the grinding wheel is securely fixed, but the replacement process becomes laborious for heavy grinding wheels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing strengthVSAvoidease of replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the fixing system into a reusable jig component and a consumable fastening mechanism. The jig itself remains on the mount, while the processing tool is attached and detached using simple fastening elements. This segmentation allows the heavy lifting and positioning work to be done by the jig, leaving only simple fastener manipulation for the operator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the jig to perform the heavy lifting and positioning work automatically through its vertically movable table mechanism. The system serves itself by using the jig's built-in motor or actuator to raise the processing tool into position, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle heavy grinding wheels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the vertically movable table is lifted while rotating about its central axis, then the processing tool can be positioned, but the structure becomes complex with multiple moving parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the lifting and positioning functions into a single integrated vertically movable table structure. Rather than having separate mechanisms for vertical movement and rotational positioning, the table performs both functions through its design, reducing the overall number of components and simplifying the system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The vertically movable table is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides vertical lifting, rotational positioning, and support for the processing tool. This universal component eliminates the need for multiple specialized mechanisms, reducing structural complexity while maintaining full positioning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The balloon mechanism effectively reduces the impact on the mount during tool mounting and dismounting, minimizing damage and simplifying the labor required for these operations.

Implementation Method 1

a balloon (64a) that is expandable when gas (70a) is introduced thereinto

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas expansion: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS12304025B2Jig for mounting and dismounting processing tool

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 DISCO CORP

AI summary

A processing apparatus includes a chuck table having a holding surface for holding a workpiece thereon, a spindle having a distal end portion to which a mount for supporting the processing tool mounted thereon is fixed, and a seat structure disposed around the chuck table. A jig that is used when the processing tool is to be mounted on the mount includes a first support for supporting the processing tool thereon, a second support positioned below the first support and supported on the seat structure, and a main body disposed between the first support and the second support. The main body includes a balloon that is expandable when gas is introduced thereinto and that is collapsible when the gas is discharged therefrom. The balloon with the processing tool supported on the first support is able to be expanded to move the processing tool toward the mount.