Cam-Wing Tool Gripper Assembly for Precise Concentric Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art tool and die sets in compound tooling require loose clamping and extensive screw thread and dowel systems, leading to inaccuracies and loss of concentricity in alignment, which complicates the assembly and alignment of die holder plates in punch press machines.
Innovation Solution
A tool gripper assembly using radially inwardly directed force via an intermediate wedge, which biases flexible gripper wings to securely and accurately hold tools in a holder plate, allowing for simplified and quick alignment of die and punch holder plates in punch press machines by using tapered openings and threaded bores for snug wedging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple screw thread members and dowels are used to assemble die holder plates, then the plates can be securely connected, but the alignment accuracy and concentricity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate wedge member as a mediator between the adjustment bolt and the flexible gripper wings. This wedge converts the linear motion of the bolt into radial inward force, pressing the wings against the tool to secure it while maintaining alignment accuracy through the tapered geometry of the wedge and matching tapered opening in the holder plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and geometry parameters by using tapered openings and threaded bores that allow for snug wedging. The tapered geometry enables progressive tightening that secures the connection while maintaining precise alignment, transforming the assembly process from a loose multi-component system to a precise wedge-locking system.
2Ease of manufacture
If loose clamping is used in tool and die sets, then assembly is simpler, but alignment accuracy and concentricity are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible gripper wings are designed to be self-adjusting and self-aligning. As the intermediate wedge is pressed against them by the adjustment bolt, the wings automatically flex and conform to the tool's position, securing it firmly while maintaining alignment without requiring complex external alignment procedures or multiple adjustment components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible gripper claws are used to hold tools, then gripping adaptability is improved, but circumferential movement and alignment damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric tapered geometry in the wedge and matching tapered opening, where the taper angle is specifically designed to convert linear bolt motion into radial gripping force. This asymmetric configuration ensures that the flexible gripper wings are pressed uniformly against the tool in a radial direction, preventing circumferential movement while maintaining the adaptability of the flexible material to conform to the tool shape.
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 ensures precise and secure alignment of die and punch holder plates, preventing circumferential movement and improving the efficiency of tool change arrangements in punch press machines by maintaining concentricity and reducing assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an intermediate wedge (46) arranged between the adjustment bolt (69) and the flexible gripper wings (34), the intermediate wedge (46) being pressable by the adjustment bolt (69) thereagainst
Data Source
AI summary
A tool gripper assembly arrangement for holding a tool accurately in a holder plate. An elongated gripper bore opening is arranged within the holder plate, for receipt of an elongated tool within that gripper bore opening. A pair of thin, flexible, curvilinear gripper wings arranged between the wedge receiving channel and the gripper bore opening. An elongated gripper-wing pressing-wedge arranged within the elongated gripper wedge receiving channel; and a wedge and wedge-channel-engaging adjustment bolt is arranged between adjacent surfaces of the wedge and the wedge receiving channel arranged to bias both the wedge and the pair of gripper wings radially inwardly toward a longitudinal axis of the gripper bore opening, so as to form a perfect tool gripping-circle around and move the tool held within the elongated gripper bore.