Dovetail Tool Changer Single Lever Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dovetail tool changers often require the use of two separate adjustable handles for locking, leading to potential accidental disengagement of tools due to incomplete locking, posing safety risks and increasing the complexity and time required for tool changes.
Innovation Solution
A dovetail tool changer design featuring a single activating lever that simultaneously activates all thrust elements to lock the second plate to the first plate, using a floating element and thrust elements that move collectively in response to a single force, eliminating the need for multiple handles and enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate adjustable handles are used for locking, then the locking mechanism can be activated, but the risk of accidental disengagement increases due to incomplete locking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate locking clamps and their associated adjustable handles into a single integrated locking clamp with a single activating handle. This merging ensures that both locking points are activated simultaneously by one operator action, eliminating the risk of incomplete locking while simplifying the operation to a single step.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking clamp is divided into two independent clamping elements (first clamping element and second clamping element) that can be adjusted separately to fit different tool widths, but are actuated together by a single handle through a common adjusting mechanism.
2Reliability
If two separate adjustable handles are used for locking, then the locking mechanism can be activated, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate adjustable handles into a single integrating handle that controls both clamping elements. This reduces the number of components and simplifies the device structure while maintaining reliable locking through the synchronized action of both clamping elements.
3Reliability
If two separate adjustable handles are used for locking, then the locking mechanism can be activated, but the time required for tool changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the activation of both locking clamps into a single handle operation, the patent reduces the tool change process to one quick action. This eliminates the time required to operate two separate handles sequentially, thereby increasing productivity while ensuring both clamping elements are properly engaged.
4Ease of operation
If a single activating lever is used to lock both clamps, then the operation is simplified, but the locking force distribution must be carefully controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a common adjusting mechanism as an intermediary between the single activating handle and the two clamping elements. This mechanism automatically distributes the locking force to both clamping elements, ensuring proper force distribution without requiring the operator to manually control each clamp separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking clamp is designed to be adjustable in width, allowing the clamping elements to dynamically adapt to different tool dimensions. This ensures optimal locking force distribution across various tool sizes while maintaining simple operation through the single handle.
Data Source
AI summary
A dovetail tool changer includes a first plate to be constrained to an external handling system, a second plate to be constrained to a tool and locking device to lock the second plate in the first plate. The second plate is insertable along a longitudinal direction in a pocket defined in the first plate, both plates have complementary cross sectional shapes and define a dovetailed coupling. The locking device includes at least one floating element movable between a lock position at which it exerts a thrust onto the second plate preventing disengagement thereof from the first plate, and an unlock position, at which the second plate can be separated from the first plate. The locking device includes at least one thrust element connected to the at least one floating element, which are together able to be displaced along a first direction in response to an exerted user force.