Broaching Tool Holder Axis Adjustment for Fast Error Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tool holder devices for broaching and slotting operations in CNC lathes face challenges in accurately correcting shifting translation and inclination errors of the working axis, relying on eccentric bushings that are not efficient for precise and fast corrections.

Innovation Solution

A tool holder device with angular and straight adjustment means, including wedges and elastic elements, allows for quick and precise correction of axis errors by rotating the supporting bar and tool along orthogonal axes, enabling effective adjustment of the working axis to maintain machining accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an eccentric bushing is used for tool axis repositioning, then the tool can be repositioned during operation, but the correction is not precise and fast enough

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool axis positioning precisionVSAvoidcorrection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static eccentric bushing into a dynamic adjustment system where the tool holder can be quickly repositioned during machine operation. The supporting bar with angular and straight adjustment means allows real-time correction of tool axis position and orientation without stopping production, resolving both the precision and time loss issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the simple eccentric bushing mechanism with a more sophisticated mechanical system comprising angular adjustment means (first adjustment device) and straight adjustment means (second adjustment device). This substitution enables precise control of both angular position and linear displacement of the tool axis, achieving high positioning precision while maintaining operational continuity.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If an eccentric bushing is used, then repositioning is possible, but inclination errors in the longitudinal work axis cannot be corrected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror correction capabilityVSAvoidmachining accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal adjustment system that can correct multiple types of errors simultaneously. The angular adjustment means corrects inclination errors in both radial and longitudinal axes, while the straight adjustment means corrects positioning errors. This multi-functional system replaces the limited eccentric bushing that could only handle simple repositioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds dimensional complexity to the adjustment system by introducing angular adjustment (rotational degree of freedom) in addition to linear adjustment. The supporting bar can be rotated around the tool axis and displaced along the work axis, creating a two-dimensional adjustment capability that addresses both inclination and positioning errors comprehensively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If mechanical calibration systems are used to correct machining errors, then errors can be corrected, but production downtime increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining accuracyVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary adjustment capabilities that allow the tool holder to be pre-positioned and calibrated before machining operations begin. The angular and straight adjustment means can be set in advance, and the tool can be quickly repositioned during operation if needed, eliminating the need for prolonged production stoppages for calibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the tool holder system to self-correct positioning and inclination errors during operation without requiring external calibration systems. The operator can directly adjust the supporting bar position and angle using the integrated adjustment means, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependency on machine-wide calibration procedures that cause production downtime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 device enables rapid and precise correction of both shifting translation and inclination errors, improving machining accuracy and reducing production downtime while minimizing wear on machining inserts.

Implementation Method 1

a pair of elastic elements 49 arranged in a substantially symmetrical manner with respect to the first axis Z and adapted to push the supporting bar 6 and the tool 8 along a first axis Z

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

angular adjustment means 23 for adjusting the supporting bar 6, interposed between the main frame 2 and the guiding means 7 and adapted to rotate the supporting bar 6 around a second axis Y

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWedge mechanism: Wedge

Implementation Method 3

angular adjustment means 23 for adjusting the supporting bar 6, interposed between the main frame 2 and the guiding means 7 and adapted to rotate the supporting bar 6 around a second axis Y

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS11325197B2Tool holder device for broaching and slotting
Publication Date: 2022.05.10 REV S R L UNIPERSONALE
  • US11325197B2 patent drawing
  • US11325197B2 patent drawing
  • US11325197B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The tool holder device for broaching and slotting, comprising: one main frame associated with one machine adapted to machine one workpiece; one working assembly associated with the main frame and comprising one supporting bar movable longitudinally along a first axis and a guiding mechanism for the supporting bar movable longitudinally along the first axis; one tool associated with the supporting bar and adapted to machine the workpiece; angular adjustment mechanism for adjusting the supporting bar, interposed between the main frame and the guiding mechanism and adapted to rotate the supporting bar around a second axis substantially orthogonal with respect to the first axis; and straight adjustment mechanism for adjusting the tool with respect to the supporting bar, interposed between the tool and the supporting bar, the straight adjustment mechanism being adapted to adjust the position of the tool along the second axis.