Collet Chuck Adapter Mounting for Symmetrical Induction Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for heating adapters used in machine tools face challenges such as asymmetrical force application, difficulty in handling, and inefficient energy use, leading to potential jamming and thermal stress issues during the shrinking process.
Innovation Solution
A device with a base part and a heating part that includes an induction coil for inductive heating, a mounting device for secure retention of the adapter, and a stop portion for optimal positioning, allowing for efficient heating and expansion of adapters, while minimizing thermal stress and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the adapter is heated while received in a collet chuck, then the adapter can be heated during the shrinking process, but the small axial height and low mechanical stability of the adapter impede the heating process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mounting device as an intermediary component between the adapter and the heating system. This mounting device provides a stable base that supports the adapter during heating, eliminating the handling difficulties associated with the adapter's small size and low mechanical stability while allowing the adapter to be heated effectively during the shrinking process
2Temperature
If a substitute shrink fit chuck is used to heat the adapter, then the adapter can be heated, but the substitute chuck must also be heated resulting in significant additional energy and time expenditure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heating function from the substitute shrink fit chuck and applies it directly to the adapter through the mounting device. This allows selective heating of only the adapter component that requires thermal expansion, eliminating the need to heat the entire substitute chuck and thereby significantly reducing energy consumption and processing time
3Temperature
If additional energy is applied to heat the substitute chuck along with the adapter, then the adapter can be heated, but adapters with thin-walled portions are exposed to too great a thermal stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing selective heating zones through the mounting device structure. The mounting device allows the heating energy to be concentrated on specific portions of the adapter that require thermal expansion, while thin-walled portions are shielded or positioned in cooler zones, thereby distributing thermal stress appropriately and preventing excessive stress on vulnerable areas
4Device complexity
If the adapter is heated without secure retention, then the heating process is simpler, but the adapter may rotate or move during heating causing asymmetrical force application
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is segmented into multiple retention points and support surfaces that independently constrain different degrees of freedom of the adapter. This segmentation allows the adapter to be securely retained against rotation and movement during heating, ensuring symmetrical thermal expansion, while keeping each individual retention element simple in design
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
Enables secure, efficient, and symmetrical heating of adapters, reducing the risk of jamming and thermal stress, and allowing for precise positioning and quick cycle times in tool insertion processes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one induction coil is provided in the heating part, which coil is designed to generate alternating electromagnetic fields in the interior thereof in which the retained adapter is arranged during operation of the device according to the invention, i.e. when a shrinking process is being carried out, which fields in turn induce eddy currents in the adapter, by means of which said adapter is heating owing to the ohmic resistance thereof
Implementation Method 2
shrink fit chucks being heated significantly in order for the tool to be inserted, and expanding on account of the thermal expansion of the material thereof to such an extent that the tool can be inserted therein
Data Source
AI summary
A device for heating adapters for mounting tools for use in machine tools. The device comprises a base part in which an adapter for inserting or removing a tool is arranged such that the insertion direction of the tool extends towards the base part. The device also comprises a heating part designed for heating the adapter arranged in the base part, the base part and the heating part being displaceable relative to one another in the insertion direction of the tool. The base part comprises a mounting device for retaining the adapter in a fixed manner on the base part during heating. The adapter and the mounting device are provided with elements for interlocking interaction for retaining the adapter on the base part.