End Effector Jaw Assembly Angular Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing end effector systems for manipulating cutting tools, such as drill bits, lack precision and uniform clamping force during sharpening operations, leading to inefficiencies in angular alignment and material removal.
Innovation Solution
A moveable jaw assembly with inclined surfaces and guide surfaces that maintain angular alignment with the central axis, combined with a clamping surface and a spring mechanism to apply a uniform clamping force, allowing for precise engagement and secure gripping of cutting tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional chuck is used to hold the cutting tool, then the tool can be positioned for sharpening, but precise angular alignment and uniform clamping force cannot be maintained during the sharpening operation
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw member is made movable relative to the housing member, allowing dynamic adjustment of the jaw position and angle. The inclined surface on the movable jaw contacts the guide surface on the housing, creating a mechanical linkage that automatically maintains precise angular alignment as the jaw moves into the clamping position. This dynamic mechanism replaces static, imprecise conventional chucks.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector is divided into distinct functional components: a stationary housing member with guide surfaces, and a movable jaw member with inclined surfaces. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the housing provides precise geometric guidance while the movable jaw applies controlled clamping force, together achieving precision that neither component could provide alone.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional clamping mechanisms are used, then the cutting tool can be held, but uniform clamping force cannot be applied across tools of various diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the geometric parameters of the jaw assembly - specifically the angle and position of the inclined surfaces - to adapt to different tool diameters. By adjusting these parameters, the movable jaw maintains uniform clamping force across various tool sizes while preserving angular alignment precision through the guide surface geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable jaw assembly with its inclined surfaces and guide surface interaction serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides adaptive clamping for various tool diameters, maintains precise angular alignment, and ensures uniform force distribution. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple specialized tools or complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the jaw member advances orthogonally to the central axis, then engagement with the side of the article is achieved, but angular alignment may be lost without guide surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The guide surface acts as an intermediary element between the movable jaw and the stationary housing. As the jaw advances orthogonally to engage the tool side, the inclined surface of the jaw contacts the guide surface, which mediates the motion to maintain constant angular alignment. This intermediary geometry translates simple orthogonal movement into precisely controlled engagement.
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 solution enables precise angular alignment and uniform clamping force, enhancing the sharpening process by maintaining the jaw members in a selected angular orientation while advancing, ensuring secure clamping and efficient material removal across various tool diameters.
Implementation Method 1
A spring preferably biases the jaw members apart and resists inward movement thereof
Implementation Method 2
first and second inclined surfaces adjacent respective proximal and distal ends of the member. The second inclined surface is substantially parallel to the first inclined surface and non-parallel to a central axis. A support structure preferably provides stationary first and second guide surfaces along which the respective first and second inclined surfaces contactingly move
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for manipulating an article, such as a cutting tool. A moveable jaw member includes first and second inclined surfaces, with the second inclined surface being substantially parallel to the first inclined surface and non-parallel to a central axis. A support structure provides stationary first and second guide surfaces along which the respective first and second inclined surfaces contactingly move. This maintains the jaw member in a selected angular alignment with the central axis as the jaw member advances in a direction orthogonal to the central axis to engage a side of the article. A second jaw member is preferably provided so that the article is clamped between the first and second jaw members. A spring preferably biases the jaw members apart and resists inward movement thereof. A base surface advances along the central axis to contactingly advance and retract the jaw member(s).