Universal Flexure Tap Driver for Rigid Tapping Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tap drivers face challenges in precisely synchronizing rotation and feed rate during the tapping process, leading to errors in internally threaded hole creation, and there is a need for a flexible tapping attachment to minimize damage from collet tightening and allow for easy interchangeability of components.
Innovation Solution
A universal flexure component integrated with the central body of the tap driver, which can be used across various types of tap drivers, including high-pressure internal coolant and minimum quantity lubrication systems, providing compressibility and secure integration through retaining rings or set screws, allowing for precise alignment and minimizing material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rigid tap holder is used with CNC machines, then precise control over speed and rotation is achieved, but the attachment cannot accommodate positioning errors or misalignment between the tap and pilot hole
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane or diaphragm within the tap holder assembly that can deform elastically to accommodate misalignment between the tap and pilot hole. This flexible element allows the rigid holder to adapt to positioning errors while maintaining precise rotational control from the CNC machine, resolving the contradiction between control precision and alignment tolerance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state or properties of certain components within the tap holder, specifically using elastomeric materials that can change their deformation characteristics. This allows the holder to be rigid enough for precise CNC control while having flexible elements that can deform to accommodate alignment variations, thus resolving the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional tension/compression tapping attachments are used, then adaptability to multiple tap sizes and positions is achieved, but synchronization errors occur during deceleration and reverse acceleration phases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tap holder into separate functional segments: a rigid portion that interfaces with the CNC machine for precise rotational control, and a flexible portion that accommodates different tap sizes and positions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain synchronization accuracy from the rigid portion while gaining adaptability through the flexible portion, resolving the contradiction between versatility and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal tap holder assembly that can accommodate multiple tap sizes and positions through its flexible components, while maintaining precise synchronization through its rigid interface with the CNC machine. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by making the same assembly adaptable to various applications without sacrificing synchronization accuracy.
3Strength
If the collet is tightened to secure the tap, then firm holding is achieved, but damage may occur to the adjusting screw or tap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible membrane or cushioning element as an intermediary between the collet and the tap adjusting screw. This intermediary component absorbs the excessive tightening force, allowing the collet to maintain a firm holding force on the tap while preventing damage to the adjusting screw or other sensitive components through the protective flexible barrier.
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 universal flexure component ensures precise alignment and minimizes material usage while allowing for easy interchangeability, reducing errors in tapping and preventing damage from collet tightening, thereby enhancing the tapping process's precision and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a non-circular flexure component fitted within the central body portion, the flexure component providing a defined compressibility
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a tap driver and tap driver system for rigid tapping, which includes a unique flexure system. In some embodiments, an integrated flexure component and housing configuration provides and may provide both a more economical and a universal configuration of the tap driver flexure component that allows the central body to be integrated with and into different types of tap drivers.