Tool Bit Holder Locking for Actuator-Free Automatic Bit Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for attaching and detaching tool bits in robots and cobots are complex, expensive, and prone to maintenance issues due to the use of pneumatic or electric actuators, which increases costs and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A system with a bit box and bit holder that uses reversible securing means, allowing the bit to switch between locked and released states through simple movements along axes Z and X, eliminating the need for additional actuators and incorporating locking elements and expander mechanisms for secure engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If pneumatic or electric actuators are used to engage or disengage tool bits, then automatic bit changing is achieved, but device complexity and implementation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The bit holder is designed to automatically engage with the bit through its own movement along the Z-axis, without requiring external actuators. The system uses the bit holder's intrinsic mechanical movement to perform the engagement and disengagement functions that would otherwise require complex pneumatic or electric actuator systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the actuator component entirely from the system, extracting the complexity source. Instead of using external actuators to drive bit changing, the solution relies on the bit holder's direct mechanical movement and simple locking mechanisms, eliminating the need for pneumatic or electric control systems.
2Productivity
If pneumatic or electric actuators are implemented for bit attachment, then automated bit changing is enabled, but maintenance requirements and downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive mechanical locking elements (such as spring-loaded locks or cam mechanisms) instead of complex actuators. These simple mechanical components are more reliable, easier to replace, and less prone to failure, thereby reducing maintenance needs and downtime while maintaining automated bit changing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bit holder's automatic engagement mechanism performs the bit changing function through its own movement, eliminating reliance on external actuators that require maintenance. This self-service approach improves reliability by removing components that are prone to breakdown.
3Ease of operation
If multiple parts are used for reversible bit securing, then bit attachment and detachment functionality is achieved, but implementation cost and maintenance burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the bit holder itself: it serves as both the mounting structure and the engagement mechanism. The bit holder integrates the locking and unlocking functions through its movement along the Z-axis, eliminating the need for separate actuators and complex multi-part securing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The bit holder is designed as a multi-functional component that performs attachment, detachment, and positioning functions simultaneously through a single movement along the Z-axis. This universal design reduces the number of parts needed while maintaining ease of operation for bit changing.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for fixing a tooling bit to a tool having an axis of rotation for working the bit. The system includes: a bit box having a plurality of movable bit supports, each carrying a bit, each bit having a first working end and a second end; a bit holder having a first end securable to one end of the tool and a second end securable to the second end of each of the bits; and a reversible element for securing the bit to the bit holder. The bit has a locked state wherein the bit is engaged on the bit holder and is distanced from the bit support, and a released state wherein the bit is distanced from the bit holder and rests on the bit support.