Front-Operated Chuck-Claw Coupling for Rapid Jaw Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chuck-claw coupling mechanisms are inefficient in rapidly coupling a claw to a master jaw, requiring significant space around the chuck and taking a long time for locking operations.
Innovation Solution
A chuck-claw coupling mechanism featuring a coupling member urged by a resilient member, an operation unit that moves the coupling member between coupling and separation positions, and a transmission mechanism with inclination grooves and projections to facilitate rapid coupling and decoupling, allowing operation from the front side of the chuck body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional locking means with meshing members and racks is used, then the jaw is securely locked onto the master jaw, but the coupling operation takes a long time and requires significant space around the chuck
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into a coupling member with engagement groove parts and separate operation members. The coupling member is divided into multiple engagement groove parts that can engage with multiple operation members simultaneously, enabling parallel coupling operations that significantly reduce the time required for locking the jaw onto the master jaw.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new dimensional approach by using engagement groove parts that extend in a direction different from the traditional linear rack engagement. The engagement groove parts are arranged to receive operation members from different directions, allowing coupling operations to occur in multiple dimensions simultaneously, thereby reducing the time and space required for the locking operation.
2Reliability
If a conventional locking means with meshing members and racks is used, then the jaw is securely locked onto the master jaw, but the mechanism requires significant space around the chuck for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The operation members are designed to be inserted through the chuck body and engage with the coupling member from the front surface side. This nesting arrangement allows the locking mechanism to be compact and operate within the existing chuck structure, eliminating the need for additional space around the chuck while maintaining secure locking through the engagement of multiple groove and projection pairs.
3Productivity
If a resilient member urging the coupling member is used, then rapid coupling is enabled, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member is configured to automatically urge the coupling member toward the engagement position with the operation members. Once the operation members are inserted and engaged with the engagement groove parts, the resilient member self-activates to complete the coupling action without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms, thereby achieving rapid coupling while minimizing structural complexity.
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 rapid coupling and decoupling of the claw to the master jaw without the need for a large outer circumference space, reducing operation time and eliminating the requirement for a handle, thus improving efficiency and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a first resilient member that urges the coupling member toward the coupling position
Data Source
AI summary
A chuck-claw coupling mechanism includes a coupling member provided in a master jaw, a first resilient member, and an operation unit. The coupling member is movable between a coupling position at which the coupling member is coupled to the claw, and a separation position at which the coupling member is separated from the claw. The first resilient member urges the coupling member toward the coupling position. The operation unit moves the coupling member to the separation position.