Tool-Free Gripper Fixing Mechanism for Machine Tools
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The gripper set-up change operation in machine tools is labor-intensive and time-consuming, requiring tools and specific operator skills, leading to increased downtime and limitations in operator flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A part-holding device with a holding portion and a main body featuring abutting surfaces and pressing and fixing mechanisms allows for tool-free positioning and fixing, enabling simplified set-up changes and broadening operator capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bolts are used to fix the gripper to the main body, then the gripper can be securely fixed, but the set-up change operation requires tools and becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism is segmented into multiple independent abutting surfaces (first, second, and third abutting surfaces) that work together to achieve secure fixation without requiring traditional bolts. Each surface serves a specific function: the first and second surfaces provide positioning through pressing means, while the third surface enables tool-free fixing through the fixing means.
Solution Approach 2:
The abutting surfaces are pre-configured on both the gripper and main body to enable immediate positioning and fixation upon assembly. The pressing means and fixing means are pre-installed to automatically engage with the corresponding abutting surfaces, eliminating the need for additional tool-based operations during set-up changes.
2Reliability
If traditional bolting methods are used, then secure fixation is achieved, but the operation becomes complex and requires specialized operator skills
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism is designed to be self-servicing, where the pressing means automatically presses the gripper against the first and second abutting surfaces, and the fixing means automatically engages with the third abutting surface to secure the gripper. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for operators to use tools or possess specialized skills for tightening bolts.
Solution Approach 2:
The abutting surfaces act as intermediaries between the gripper and main body, providing standardized interfaces that simplify the connection process. These pre-configured surfaces enable the pressing and fixing means to achieve reliable fixation without requiring complex operator interventions or specialized tools.
3Reliability
If positioning is not correctly performed during gripper mounting, then conveyance faults may occur, but ensuring correct positioning requires additional operator effort and time
Solution Approach 1:
The abutting surfaces are asymmetrically configured with specific orientations and geometries that guide the gripper into the correct position during assembly. The first, second, and third abutting surfaces are positioned at specific locations and angles to automatically align the gripper with the main body, preventing mispositioning without requiring operator adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The abutting surfaces are pre-configured with precise geometries and positions to automatically guide and constrain the gripper during assembly. This preliminary positioning arrangement ensures that when the pressing means and fixing means are engaged, the gripper is already correctly positioned, eliminating the need for subsequent adjustment operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A part-holding device includes a holding portion configured to hold an object to be held and a main body configured to detachably connected to the holding portion. The main body has a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface oriented in respective differing directions, and the holding portion has a first abutting surface, a second abutting surface and a third abutting surface capable of abutting against the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface, respectively. The part-holding device further includes pressing means configured to press the holding portion to cause the first abutting surface to abut against the first surface and to cause the second abutting surface to abut against the second surface, and fixing means configured to cause the third abutting surface to abut against the third surface and to fix the holding portion to the main body.