Drill Chuck Locking Mechanism Prevents Jaw Loosening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current drill chucks have complex locking structures that can lead to loosening during operation, compromising clamping firmness.
Innovation Solution
A drill chuck design featuring inclined guiding holes, clamping jaws with external threads, a nut and outer socket system, and a locking mechanism with a locking plate, locking balls, and elastic ratchets that utilize a helix angle and ratchet teeth to prevent loosening by compressing the clamping jaws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex locking structures are used in drill chucks, then the clamping firmness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure is segmented into distinct functional components: locking balls for engagement, a locking plate with helical grooves for motion control, and elastic elements for force application. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall design and maintenance of the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the interaction of the helical grooves and locking balls. When the clamping jaw moves along the inclined guiding hole, the helical groove automatically guides the locking ball into the engaged position, creating a self-locking effect without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems.
2Reliability
If locking structures are added to prevent clamping jaw loosening, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element acts as an intermediary that automatically applies locking force when the clamping jaw is positioned correctly. This eliminates the need for separate locking operations while ensuring reliable engagement, as the elastic element's deformation and recovery automatically drive the locking balls into place.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism automatically engages and disengages based on the position of the clamping jaw along the inclined guiding hole. When the jaw is pulled out, the locking balls disengage automatically; when pushed in, they engage automatically. This self-service behavior maintains ease of operation while ensuring reliable locking.
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
The design ensures the clamping jaws remain securely locked, enhancing clamping firmness and preventing loosening, even under operational stress.
Implementation Method 1
an end face of the locking plate facing the nut is thereon provided with a plurality of slide grooves having a helix angle
Implementation Method 2
the helix angle of the slide grooves is less than a friction angle between the locking balls and the locking plate
Implementation Method 3
a back end of the outer socket has a first groove and a second groove cooperating with the elastic ratchets
Implementation Method 4
the locking mechanism further comprises a bearing located between the annular pad and the nut
Data Source
AI summary
A drill chuck comprises: a drill body having a plurality of inclined guiding holes distributed evenly along a circumferential direction; a plurality of clamping jaws arranged slidably in the inclined guiding holes respectively and having external thread segments; an outer socket rotatably fitted over the drill body; and a nut engaged with the clamping jaws and connected to the out socket in a driving manner; further comprises: a locking mechanism located between a first thrust surface of the drill body and the nut and having a locking plate and locking balls, wherein an end face of the locking plate facing the nut is thereon provided with a plurality of slide grooves having a helix angle, the helix angle of the slide grooves is less than a friction angle between the locking balls and locking plate, and the locking balls are movably arranged along the slide grooves.