Chuck Jaw Replacement via Spring Clips

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing workholding systems require time-consuming and tool-dependent processes to change jaw shapes on chucks, leading to potential thread damage and inefficiency in handling different workpiece geometries during machining operations.

Innovation Solution

A chuck design featuring movable slides with pivotable clasp members and spring-biased gripping mechanisms allows for tool-less and quick replacement of jaw members with different shapes, enabling easy adaptation to various workpiece geometries by snapping new jaw members into place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional bolted jaw replacement method is used, then jaw members can be securely attached to chuck body, but the replacement process becomes time-consuming and requires tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejaw replacement processVSAvoidjaw replacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The jaw member is divided into a body portion and a gripping portion, where the gripping portion can be quickly exchanged by releasing retaining clips without removing the entire jaw member. This segmentation allows rapid replacement of only the geometry-specific gripping portion while retaining the functional body portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different gripping portions with different local geometries are designed to match specific workpiece shapes. Each gripping portion has optimized local features (flat surfaces, curved surfaces, tapered surfaces) for specific gripping requirements, while the chuck body remains universal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple jaw shapes are kept for different workpiece geometries, then all workpiece types can be gripped, but the complexity of managing and replacing jaws increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece geometry compatibilityVSAvoidjaw management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The chuck body is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different gripping portions through standardized mounting interfaces. A single chuck body can grip various workpiece geometries by simply changing the gripping portion, eliminating the need for multiple complete jaw sets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Different gripping portions are designed to nest within or attach to the same chuck body structure. The gripping portions can be stored within or alongside the chuck body when not in use, creating a compact system that manages multiple geometries in a single device footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Strength

If bolts are used to secure jaw members, then secure attachment is achieved, but thread damage risk and tool requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejaw attachment securityVSAvoidthread damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional threaded bolt connection system is replaced with a clip-based retaining system. Spring-loaded clips engage with slots or grooves in the chuck body to secure the gripping portion, eliminating threaded holes and bolt threads that are susceptible to damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded clips automatically engage and lock the gripping portion into the chuck body upon insertion, providing self-securing without requiring external tools or manual threading operations. The clips also provide automatic retention during operation.

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

Facilitates rapid and tool-free jaw changes, reducing the risk of thread damage and enhancing operational efficiency in machining processes by allowing seamless transitions between different workpiece geometries without the need for additional tools.

Implementation Method 1

spring-biased gripping mechanisms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2616202B1Workholding apparatus for workpiece transfer

Publication Date: 2017.05.31 THE GLEASON WORKS

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AI summary

A workholding apparatus (20) comprising a chuck body (22), first jaw members (26) and second jaw members (50) wherein the second jaw members are shaped to grip a workpiece (56, 64) of a particular geometry. The jaw members are constructed to enable easy, quick and manual replacement of the second jaw members. Each first jaw member (26) includes an outer fixed gripping member (30) and an opposed inner gripping member (32) shaped like a clasp and movable between an open release and a closed gripping position. Clasp (32) is pivotable about a pin (42).