Collet Chuck Pneumatic Monitoring for Clamping Pin Lock Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chuck systems for clamping pallets in processing machines lack reliable monitoring for the presence and correct clamping of clamping pins, which can lead to pallets becoming loose during mechanical processing, causing damage and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatically actuable monitoring line is integrated into the chuck, allowing pressure to be used to determine if a clamping pin is present and correctly locked, utilizing a valve device to control fluid flow and a pressure sensor to evaluate the clamping state, with the system adaptable to existing processing machine infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a monitoring system is added to detect clamping pin presence, then safety and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a pneumatic monitoring line system where compressed air flows through bores in the clamping pin and receiving opening. The presence or absence of the clamping pin is detected by monitoring pneumatic pressure changes in the monitoring line, converting a mechanical presence detection problem into a pneumatic sensing solution that integrates with existing pneumatic clamping infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring line system utilizes the existing pneumatic infrastructure already present in the chuck for clamping operations. The same pneumatic source and pressure monitoring capabilities are leveraged for both clamping actuation and safety monitoring, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensing systems and reducing overall complexity.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If inspection bores are opened for monitoring, then detection capability improves, but risk of contamination and loss of pneumatic pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring bores are pre-configured with threaded closures that can be sealed before machining operations begin. This preliminary sealing action prevents chip and coolant contamination from entering the monitoring line during machining, while still allowing the monitoring system to function when the clamping pin is present and properly positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring bores are integrated within the existing structural bores of the chuck and clamping pin. The monitoring line is nested inside the clamping mechanism's existing pneumatic pathways, utilizing the same physical space and structural features already present in the design, thereby avoiding additional external monitoring components that would be more vulnerable to contamination.
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 enables reliable monitoring of clamping pin presence and correct locking, preventing pallets from becoming loose during processing, thus ensuring safety and preventing damage, and can be easily integrated into existing processing machine setups.
Implementation Method 1
a pneumatically actuable monitoring line (40) is integrated into the chuck (1), allowing pressure to be used to determine if a clamping pin is present and correctly locked
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a chuck (1) for clamping pallets (46) equipped with a clamping pin (47). The chuck (1) is provided with a receiving opening (5) for the clamping pin (47) and a clamping device. The clamping device comprises an actuating piston, which is movable between a starting position and a locking position, for actuating clamping elements by means of which the clamping pin (47) is clamped in the receiving opening (5). The chuck (1) is provided with a pneumatically actuated monitoring line leading from an inlet to an outlet, and the receiving opening (5) has a conical insertion area (6) into which at least one inspection bore (7) connected to the monitoring line opens, which can be closed by means of the clamping pin (47).A valve device is arranged between the inlet and outlet of the monitoring line, by means of which the flow of a fluid through the monitoring line can be changed depending on the position of the actuating piston.