Collet Tool Bit Assembly Camming Axial Restraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool bit and collet assemblies require specialized parts and assembly processes due to the use of balls for axial restraint, which can be complex and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
The tool bit and collet employ camming surfaces for interengagement upon insertion, allowing the collet to open and close without balls, using fixed surfaces for both rotational and axial restraint, and include automatic retraction of the collet-holding collar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If balls are used for axial restraint of the tool bit in the collet, then axial restraint is achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the ball component entirely from the axial restraint mechanism. Instead of using a ball that must be precisely positioned and controlled, the invention employs direct camming surfaces between the collet and tool bit that provide axial restraint through their geometric interaction during insertion and operation, eliminating the need for separate spherical restraint elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the axial restraint function with the camming action of the collet. The camming surfaces on the collet and tool bit are designed to work together such that the same mechanical interaction that opens and closes the collet also provides the axial restraint force, merging two functions into a single integrated mechanism
2Reliability
If balls are used under control of the collet and collar, then axial restraint is provided, but the number of parts and assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the ball component from the system. The axial restraint is achieved directly through the camming surfaces of the collet and tool bit, removing the need for spherical elements that would require precise positioning and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The camming surfaces serve multiple functions: they enable the collet to open and close around the tool bit, and simultaneously provide the axial restraint force. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components dedicated to each function, reducing the total part count
3Measurement precision
If fixed surfaces are used for axial restraint instead of movable balls, then restraint accuracy improves, but the mechanism must rely on surface geometry precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camming action with the restraint mechanism, using the same inclined surfaces to both open/close the collet and provide axial restraint. This integration means that the geometric precision requirements are concentrated in the camming surfaces themselves, which are critical path features anyway, rather than requiring additional precision elements like balls and grooves
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 simplifies the assembly process, eliminates the need for specialized balls, and provides more accurate and reliable axial restraint of the tool bit, reducing complexity and improving reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the tool bit and collet have camming surfaces which are interengaged upon insertion of the tool bit into the collet for expanding the collet into the tool bit receptive mode
Implementation Method 2
there is a spring-urged collar which forces the ball into the groove
Data Source
AI summary
A tool bit and collet assembly, and method of assembling, wherein there is a collar for holding the collet in the radially inward position to thereby hold the tool bit. Camming surfaces are between the tool bit and the collet, and between the collet and the collar, for opening the collet upon insertion the tool bit into the collet, and thereby move the collar to the opening position.