Boring Tool Wedge Clamping for Automated Diameter Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boring tools require manual adjustment of cutting diameter, which is time-consuming and risky in high-productivity environments, and automated solutions using piezoelectric elements are expensive and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A boring tool with a wedge-shaped clamping member pre-loaded to passively lock the slider member, utilizing a biasing spring for clamping force and an electric drive unit to control the clamping member's position, allowing for efficient and secure adjustment of the cutting diameter without continuous power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual adjustment of cutting diameter is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and operational safety worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated motor-driven slider mechanism. The motor (22) automatically positions the slider member (5) to adjust the cutting diameter, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly improving productivity while maintaining operational safety through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device (14) with wedge-shaped clamping member (14) and biasing spring (16) provides automatic self-clamping functionality. When the slider member (5) is positioned by the motor (22), the biasing spring (16) automatically engages the wedge-shaped clamping member (14) to secure the position without requiring additional actuation, enabling the system to maintain itself autonomously.
2Extent of automation
If piezoelectric elements are used for clamping, then automation is improved, but reliability decreases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces unreliable piezoelectric elements with a robust mechanical clamping system consisting of a wedge-shaped clamping member (14) and biasing spring (16). This mechanical system provides dependable self-clamping action through pure mechanical advantage, eliminating the reliability issues associated with piezoelectric elements while maintaining full automation through motor control.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge-shaped clamping member (14) with biasing spring (16) represents a simple, inexpensive mechanical alternative to expensive piezoelectric elements. The design uses basic mechanical components that are cost-effective and highly reliable, avoiding the complexity and high cost of piezoelectric technology while achieving the same automated clamping function.
3Force
If drive unit continuously supplies power for clamping, then clamping force is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit (22) operates periodically rather than continuously - it activates only when adjustment is needed to position the slider member (5), then stops while the biasing spring (16) maintains clamping force. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous power supply, while the mechanical self-holding mechanism ensures clamping force is maintained throughout the machining process.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing spring (16) and wedge-shaped clamping member (14) create a self-holding mechanical system that maintains clamping force without requiring continuous energy input from the drive unit (22). Once the motor positions the slider, the mechanical clamping mechanism autonomously maintains the force, eliminating the need for continuous power supply and minimizing energy consumption.
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
Enables faster, more secure, and reliable adjustment of cutting diameter, ensuring a consistent clamping force without relying on the drive unit's power, thus improving productivity and reducing operational risks.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing spring (16) that is arranged to act on the wedge-shaped clamping member (14) with a pre-loading force in the locked position
Implementation Method 2
a wedge-shaped clamping member (14) that is connected to a drive unit (12) and arranged inside the tool body and in contact with the slider member (5) for clamping the slider member (5) into a locked position
Data Source
AI summary
A boring tool has a slider member connected to a cutting insert seat, the slider member is arranged movably inside a tool body of the boring tool along a path extending transversely to a rotation axis of the boring tool for adjusting the distance of the of the cutting insert seat in relation to the rotation axis. A wedge-shaped clamping member is connected to a drive unit and arranged inside the tool body. The wedge-shaped clamping member is in contact with the slider member for clamping the slider member into a locked position, in which locked position, the wedge-shaped clamping member is pre-loaded to passively lock the slider member. The drive unit is controllable such that the wedge-shaped clamping member is actively releasable when adjusting the distance of the cutting insert seat.