Clamping Head Changer With Gear-Driven Jaw Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping head changing devices require high physical effort due to their mass and the force needed to compress elastic intermediate blocks, leading to the need for multiple devices adapted to specific clamping heads, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A changing device with a central base and pivotable adjusting elements, driven by a rotatable member with a gear system, allowing for reduced effort in compressing clamping jaws, enabling easier insertion and removal of clamping heads into chucks, and optionally equipped with an electric motor for further assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a manually operated quick-change device is used to compress clamping heads, then the device can be simple in structure, but the physical force required is relatively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely manual mechanical operation with an electric motor-driven system. The motor (20) provides the compressive force automatically, eliminating the need for manual leverage while maintaining mechanical simplicity through a straightforward drive mechanism connected to the clamping jaws.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electric motor as an intermediary between the operator and the clamping head compression process. The motor acts as a force-multiplying intermediary that converts electrical energy into mechanical compression force, reducing the direct physical effort required from the operator.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple exchange devices are provided for different clamping heads, then each device can be optimized for specific force requirements, but the device quantity and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal exchange device with standardized mounting interfaces and an electric motor system that can accommodate different clamping head models. The electric motor provides adjustable force output, allowing a single device design to handle various clamping head types and force requirements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables a single exchange device to adapt to different clamping heads by changing operational parameters, specifically the compressive force output of the electric motor. The motor can be controlled to provide appropriate force levels for different clamping head models, replacing the need for physically different devices.
3Force
If the actuating elements are moved a large distance to compress the clamping head, then the compression force can be sufficient, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical force multiplication mechanisms (which would require large movement distances and complex linkages) with an electric motor that generates compressive force directly. The motor provides sufficient compression force through its electromagnetic torque without requiring the actuating elements to travel large distances, thereby reducing device size and 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
The design reduces the physical effort required to compress clamping heads, allowing for efficient operation with lower force and moment, and the electric motor option further minimizes manual labor, enabling versatile use with various clamping heads without the need for multiple specialized devices.
Implementation Method 1
A gearbox is provided to convert the rotary movement of the drive element into the linear radial displacement or pivoting radial displacement of the actuating elements
Implementation Method 2
applying force to the jaws against each other using a changeover device, in particular by pressing them radially towards each other while simultaneously compressing elastic intermediate blocks
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
Interchangeable devices (10) for chuck heads (100) are known. Such interchangeable devices (10) are designed for inserting a chuck head (100) into a chuck and/or for removing the chuck head (100) from the chuck, wherein the chuck head (100) has a plurality of clamping jaws (104) that are displaceable relative to one another in a radial direction (4) and which can be subjected to a force relative to one another in a radial direction by means of the interchangeable device (10). Such an interchangeable device (10) has a base (42) and a plurality of actuating elements (50) that are movably attached to the base (42) and each of which has at least one engagement section (52) for applying force to the clamping jaws (104). It is proposed that such an interchangeable device (10) has a drive element (60) that is rotatable relative to the base about a central axis (2).This drive element (60) is coupled to the actuating elements (50) by means of a gearbox (70), so that the actuating elements (50) can be moved together towards or away from each other by a rotational movement of the drive element (60).