C-Shaped Truss Tool Holder for Lightweight Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing C-frame tool holders are heavy, leading to high lateral forces on drive technology and inadequate rigidity, which complicates joining processes, especially in automated systems where weight reduction and increased mobility are necessary.
Innovation Solution
A C-shaped tool holder with an integral truss frame structure composed of multiple interconnected frame polygons, featuring curvature-constant edge surfaces and NURBS curves for optimal stress distribution and reduced mechanical stress peaks, made from materials like steel, aluminum, or hybrid fiber-reinforced plastics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a conventional C-frame construction is used, then the structure provides sufficient rigidity and strength, but the weight is high which reduces mobility and increases lateral forces on drive technology
Solution Approach 1:
The C-frame is divided into multiple beam elements (trusses) connected at nodes, forming a segmented structure. This segmentation allows the frame to achieve the required strength and rigidity through the coordinated action of individual trusses while using less material than a solid conventional frame, thereby reducing weight and improving mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam elements in the nodes are rounded by circular arcs instead of sharp corners. This curvature optimizes the distribution of material stresses under load, reducing stress concentrations and allowing for more efficient material usage. The rounded nodes contribute to both weight reduction and maintained structural integrity.
2Weight of moving object
If the C-frame size is reduced to improve mobility, then weight decreases, but the demand for rigidity and resilience increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the C-frame are designed with different structural characteristics. The nodes are reinforced with circular arc rounding to handle stress concentrations, while the beam elements between nodes are optimized for weight efficiency. This local differentiation allows the frame to maintain high rigidity and resilience in critical areas while minimizing weight overall.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction principles by combining multiple beam elements and trusses with different orientations and properties. This composite truss structure provides enhanced rigidity and resilience relative to the weight, allowing the reduced-size frame to meet performance requirements despite smaller dimensions.
3Weight of moving object
If truss frame structure is used to reduce weight, then mobility improves, but the bending angle increases which exposes drive technology to high lateral forces
Solution Approach 1:
The truss frame is designed to deform in a controlled manner under load, with the bending behavior optimized to minimize the bending angle. By carefully selecting truss configurations and node geometries, the structure achieves a balance between weight reduction and maintaining acceptable bending characteristics that protect the drive technology from excessive lateral forces.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a C-shaped tool holder (1) comprising an integral frame structure (10) bounded by an inner and an outer C-shaped edge, in which the C-shaped edges are formed and connected to one another via at least five frame polygons (20, 22, 24), in particular triangles, quadrilaterals, and pentagons, integrated into the frame structure, wherein an inner surface of each individual frame polygon forms a curvature-continuous connecting surface along the sides of the respective frame polygon, and the inner and outer C-shaped edges are each bounded externally by a curvature-continuous edge surface. The invention also relates to a design and a manufacturing method for a C-shaped tool holder.