Eccentric Clamping Bolt for Tool Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical couplings for tools and tool carriers require significant effort and skill to join and separate, making them cumbersome and unsafe for handling, especially in applications like robot arms and manufacturing machines.
Innovation Solution
A separable mechanical coupling system utilizing an eccentric shaft and clamping bolt in a first housing part, with a coupling recess in a second housing part, allowing for easy axial engagement and pivoting for secure clamping, mimicking a lock system for tool change systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional mechanical coupling device with linear movement and pivoting locking pin is used, then the coupling can be achieved, but great effort and skill are required from the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into two separate assemblies: a first assembly with an eccentric shaft and clamping bolt, and a second assembly with a coupling recess. This segmentation allows each part to have a simplified structure while maintaining the overall coupling function, reducing the complexity for the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the locking pin laterally as in traditional devices, this invention inverts the approach by using an eccentric shaft that converts a simple pivoting movement into axial clamping force. The operator only needs to pivot the second assembly, and the eccentric mechanism automatically provides the clamping action, greatly reducing the effort required.
2Reliability
If the coupling mechanism uses great effort for joining, then secure attachment can be achieved, but safety and ease of handling are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The eccentric shaft mechanism is designed to automatically generate clamping force during the pivoting operation. As the second assembly is pivoted onto the first assembly, the eccentric geometry self-generates the axial force needed to clamp the coupling bolt securely, without requiring the operator to apply excessive manual force. This self-service mechanism ensures both security and safety.
3Volume of moving object
If the coupling device is made compact, then small overall size is achieved, but the mechanism may become more difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism utilizes dynamic movement through the pivoting action of the second assembly onto the first. The eccentric shaft converts this rotational pivoting motion into axial clamping motion, allowing the mechanism to remain compact while maintaining ease of operation. The dynamic conversion of motion types enables a small overall size without compromising operability.
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
Enables easy, safe, and efficient handling of tools by reducing the effort required for coupling and decoupling, ensuring secure attachment and detachment without the need for great skill, suitable for handling devices and manufacturing machines.
Implementation Method 1
an eccentric shaft and a clamping bolt are mounted in a first housing part as an eccentric gear, the axially oriented clamping bolt being movable back and forth in the axial direction by a pivoting movement of the eccentric shaft
Data Source
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AI summary
The coupling has assemblies (10, 40) axially deformed by an eccentric drive, and an axially oriented fastening bolt (91) moving forward and backward by a pivot movement of an eccentric shaft (71) in an axial direction. The fastening bolt connects into a coupling recess (52) for coupling radially and axially. A housing part with an adapter surface is axially suspended on the fastening bolt. The housing part is pivotable against the fastening bolt, and is clampable against other housing part over the axially forward-movable fastening bolt.