Collet Chuck Step Tool for Overlapping Machining Operations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Machining processes with sequential operations are inefficient due to the inability to overlap machining steps when using collets for clamping tools, leading to prolonged processing times.

Innovation Solution

A step tool design featuring a collet chuck with a cutting edge near the recess allows for overlapping machining operations, utilizing interchangeable inserts and a fragile collet design to accommodate multiple cutting edges and flutes, enabling fine adjustment of the cutting edge's radial position through a sliding sleeve made of materials like copper, brass, or plastic.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a traditional collet design is used, then the collet provides stable clamping, but the machining time increases because sequential operations cannot overlap

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining timeVSAvoidcollet structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool is divided into multiple cutting edges arranged at different radial positions on the collet chuck, allowing each cutting edge to perform a different machining operation. This segmentation enables overlapping of machining steps as each cutting edge can work simultaneously on different portions of the workpiece, thereby reducing total machining time while maintaining the basic collet clamping function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single cutting edge at a fixed position to multiple cutting edges arranged in different radial dimensions. By utilizing the radial dimension of the collet chuck, multiple cutting edges can be positioned at different distances from the longitudinal axis, enabling simultaneous overlapping operations without interfering with each other, thus improving productivity without significantly increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If multiple cutting edges are arranged on the collet chuck, then machining operations can overlap, but the radial space for arranging cutting edges is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverlapping operationsVSAvoidradial space
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cutting edges are nested at different radial positions on the collet chuck, similar to nested dolls. Each cutting edge is positioned at a different radial distance from the longitudinal axis, allowing them to be arranged compactly within the limited radial space. This nesting approach enables multiple cutting edges to coexist without requiring excessive radial area, while still allowing their cutting paths to overlap during machining operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of repair

If the cutting edge is made interchangeable, then restoration time is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverestoration timeVSAvoidinsert mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting edges are designed as interchangeable inserts that can be dynamically replaced on the collet chuck. This dynamic design allows worn or damaged cutting edges to be quickly removed and replaced with fresh inserts, significantly reducing restoration time. The insert mechanism, while adding some complexity, enables rapid tool maintenance and extends the overall tool life by allowing individual cutting edges to be renewed without replacing the entire collet chuck.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2555893B1Step tool
Publication Date: 2016.07.06 GUEHRING KG
  • EP2555893B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2555893B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2555893B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The description shows a collet chuck 303 for clamping a tool for the purpose of machining a workpiece, comprising: a cutout for receiving a collet 301, wherein the collet chuck 303 has a cutting edge 306 for machining the workpiece.