Bayonet Coupling With T-Shaped Groove for Secure Tool Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bayonet couplings in machining units allow tools to become loosened during rotation due to the engaging tab only engaging with the receiving groove in one direction, leading to potential tool detachment from the drive shaft.

Innovation Solution

A T-shaped receiving groove with locking tabs and projections ensures secure engagement in both directions, preventing the tool from loosening, and a weakening line on the locking tabs allows for easy removal and one-time use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional bayonet coupling with a straight receiving groove is used, then the tool can be easily mounted and removed, but the tool may become loosened during rotation because the engaging tab only engages in one direction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of tool mounting and removalVSAvoidtool retention during rotation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving groove is divided into two distinct sections: a first section extending parallel to the axis of rotation and a second section extending transversely perpendicular to the axis of rotation. This segmentation allows the engaging tab to engage with the second section during mounting while preventing backward movement during operation, thus maintaining both ease of operation and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving groove is designed with an asymmetric L-shaped configuration rather than a symmetric straight groove. This asymmetry creates a one-way engagement mechanism where the engaging tab can easily insert in the forward direction but cannot back out during rotation, resolving the contradiction between easy mounting and secure retention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Adaptability or versatility

If the machining unit rotates in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, then the tool can be used for different machining operations, but the engaging tab may end up in the first section of the receiving groove causing tool loosening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebidirectional rotation capabilityVSAvoidtool retention during rotation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking tab is pre-positioned to engage with a projection on the drive shaft before rotation begins. This preliminary locking action ensures that regardless of which direction the tool rotates or how it may shift during operation, the locking tab maintains engagement with the projection, preventing the tool from loosening while allowing bidirectional rotation versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11346401B2Bayonet coupling and machining unit with such bayonet coupling

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 FLEX TRIM

AI summary

A bayonet coupling for mounting of a tool on a drive shaft of a machining unit. The drive shaft is connected to the tool via a bayonet coupling, which includes two coupling parts. The one coupling part is provided with a receiving groove for an engaging tab placed on the other coupling part. The receiving groove has a first section with an extension parallel to the axis of rotation and the second section of the receiving groove has an extension transverse, perpendicular, to the axis of rotation, so that the tool is driven via the engagement of the bayonet coupling.