Chuck with Individual Electric Motor Clamping Jaws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chucks for rotationally symmetrical workpieces face challenges in achieving precise centring during machining due to the inability to adjust clamping jaws once clamped, leading to manufacturing errors and increased operating costs from repeated alignment procedures.
Innovation Solution
The chuck employs electric motors for each clamping jaw, allowing individual control and movement of the jaws during machining via induction energy transfer, enabling precise centring and clamping without the need for additional centring jaws or process changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single actuation piston moves all clamping jaws synchronously, then the clamping force is applied uniformly to all workpiece surfaces, but the clamping jaws cannot be individually adjusted to achieve precise centring of the workpiece
Solution Approach 1:
The single actuation piston system is segmented into multiple independent actuation pistons, each controlling a separate clamping jaw. This allows individual adjustment of each jaw's position and movement, enabling precise centring of the workpiece while maintaining uniform clamping force through coordinated control of all pistons.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping jaw system transitions from a static, fixed-position configuration to a dynamic system where each jaw can be independently adjusted and repositioned during the machining process. This dynamic capability allows the jaws to adapt to workpiece weight changes and maintain precise centring throughout machining operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If the position of clamping jaws is fixed during machining, then the clamping structure is simple and stable, but the workpiece cannot be re-centred if its weight changes during machining
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping jaws are equipped with dynamic positioning capabilities through individual actuation pistons and electric motors, allowing them to be repositioned during machining operations. When workpiece weight changes cause loss of centring, the system can detect the deviation and automatically adjust the jaw positions to restore precise centring without stopping the machining process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor workpiece position and centring accuracy during machining. When deviations are detected due to weight changes, the feedback signal triggers automatic adjustment of the clamping jaws to re-establish precise centring, eliminating the need for manual intervention and extending machining cycles.
3Manufacturing precision
If additional centring jaws are provided to achieve precise workpiece alignment, then centring accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping jaws are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as clamping elements and as centring elements. Through individual adjustable positioning and electric motor-driven movement, the same jaws that apply clamping force can also precisely position and centre the workpiece, eliminating the need for separate centring jaws and reducing overall system complexity.
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 allows for precise adjustment and centring of workpieces during machining, reducing manufacturing errors and operating costs by enabling continuous clamping and centring with a single clamping jaw, thus streamlining the machining process.
Implementation Method 1
when the chuck is operational each is connected to the power source via an induction device
Data Source
AI summary
A chuck for supporting rotationally symmetrical workpieces to be machined, comprising a chuck body having at least three guideways worked into its end face running in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the chuck, at least three clamping jaws inserted individually into each of the guideways in a movable arrangement, and a driving means in a driving connection with the clamping jaws directly or via intermediate elements, with each of the clamping jaws of the chuck being adjustable during machining using driving means configured as an electric motor, with each clamping jaw having an electric motor arranged inside the chuck body, and when the chuck is stationary, the electric motors are electrically connected to a power source by means of a plug-and-socket connection and electrical cables, and/or when the chuck is rotating or at a standstill each electric motor is connected to the power source via an induction device.