Long Boring Bar Quick-Clamping for Faster Tool Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional long boring bar devices for machine tools require lengthy processes for attaching and detaching the holder from the turret, and the boring bar from the holder, leading to reduced productivity, increased non-processing time, and potential equipment damage due to interference and collisions.

Innovation Solution

A long boring bar device where the boring bar is detachably fastened to a holder using a first clamping unit, and a head tool is automatically detachably fastened to the boring bar using a second clamping unit, allowing for easy exchange through an automatic tool changer, simplifying the separation from the turret, and supplying oil pressure and cutting oil through internal flow paths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the holder is mounted on or detached from the turret using a plurality of bolts, then the boring bar can be securely fastened, but it takes a long time to attach and detach, reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fasteningVSAvoidattachment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional bolt-based mechanical fastening system with a hydraulic clamping system. The holder includes a clamping unit with a clamping jaw that engages with a groove on the boring bar through hydraulic actuation, eliminating the need for multiple bolts and significantly reducing attachment time while maintaining secure fastening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs hydraulic pressure to actuate the clamping mechanism. A hydraulic cylinder provides the force to move the clamping jaw into engagement with the boring bar groove, enabling rapid and reliable attachment without manual bolt operation. This hydraulic system is controlled through inlet and outlet units that regulate fluid flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If a separate pipe is installed to supply cutting oil to the tool tip, then cutting oil can be delivered, but the device cannot be miniaturized and space utilization is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting oil supplyVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the cutting oil supply system within the hollow structure of the boring bar itself. The boring bar includes internal flow paths that channel cutting oil from the holder through the boring bar to the tool tip, eliminating the need for external separate pipes. This nested arrangement maintains functional reliability while minimizing device volume and improving space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If the long boring bar remains mounted on the turret when not in use, then it is readily available, but it interferes with and collides with other devices, causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereadinessVSAvoidcollision damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the boring bar system from a static mounted state to a dynamic removable state. The quick-release clamping mechanism allows the boring bar to be easily detached from the holder when not in use, eliminating collision risks with other devices while maintaining ease of operation through rapid reattachment capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If the tool tip needs to be replaced frequently, then machining variety is improved, but manual replacement consumes time and reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool varietyVSAvoidreplacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual tool tip replacement with an automated exchange mechanism. The holder includes an automatic tool changer that uses robotic or automated mechanical systems to quickly swap tool tips on the boring bar, maintaining adaptability for different machining operations while dramatically reducing replacement time and improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution enhances productivity by minimizing non-processing time, improves safety by preventing collisions, reduces manufacturing costs, and increases machining precision through automatic tool exchange and efficient oil supply.

Implementation Method 1

a first clamping unit (120) formed inside the housing unit to be adjacent to the first receiving groove to clamp or unclamp the boring bar

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Force

Implementation Method 2

a second clamping unit (220) formed inside the main body unit to be adjacent to the second receiving groove to clamp or unclamp the head tool

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Force

Implementation Method 3

an inlet unit (130) formed on the other side of the housing unit to supply hydraulic pressure and pneumatic pressure to the inside of the housing unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic Pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 4

an outlet unit (140) formed on one side of the housing unit to be communicated with the inlet unit to discharge the hydraulic pressure and the pneumatic pressure introduced into the housing unit to the outside of the housing unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure Gradient: Pressure Drop

Data Source

PatentEP4091750B1Long boring bar device of machine tool
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 DN SOLUTIONS CO LTD
  • EP4091750B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4091750B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4091750B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A long boring bar device of a machine tool according to the present disclosure may comprise: a turret in which a plurality of tools is accommodated; and a boring bar unit mounted on the turret. The boring bar unit may comprise: a holder detachably fastened to the turret; a boring bar fastened to the holder such that same can be clampled to or unclamped from the holder; and a head tool fastened to the boring bar such that same can be clamped to or unclampled from the boring bar. The head tool can be automatically exchanged through an automatic tool exchange device such that the non-processing time during which the boring bar or the head tool is attached/detached is reduced, thereby maximizing the machine tool productivity. In addition, when the long boring bar is not used, the long boring bar device can be simply separated from the turret such that a collision caused by interference between pieces of equipment, which may occur during processing, is prevented, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the machine tool.