Guide Bush Differential Thread Adjustment for Faster Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing guide bush apparatuses require complex and time-consuming adjustments due to small changes in inner diameter per rotation of the retraction sleeve, leading to potential interference with the spindle or tool and inconsistent engagement states.

Innovation Solution

A guide bush apparatus with a retraction sleeve featuring different thread pitches for first and second screws, allowing for easy switching between large and small adjustments through a differential attachment/detachment body, enabling easy attachment and detachment without tools, and a mechanism to prevent rotation interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a differential mechanism with single rotation adjustment is used, then fine adjustment precision is improved, but the number of rotations required for desired adjustment increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment precisionVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the retraction sleeve can rotate differentially relative to both the guide bush and guide bush sleeve. This allows the system to switch between fine adjustment mode (when engaged with guide bush only) and coarse adjustment mode (when engaged with guide bush sleeve only), optimizing both precision and speed depending on the adjustment stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment process is segmented into two distinct phases: rough adjustment phase where the retraction sleeve engages with the guide bush sleeve for large movements, and fine adjustment phase where it engages with the guide bush for precise positioning. This segmentation allows each phase to use the most appropriate adjustment speed for its specific task.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Force

If the retraction sleeve is screwed all the way into the guide bush sleeve, then maximum pressing force is achieved, but the outer peripheral tapered surface and inner peripheral tapered surface may not be pressed together

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressing forceVSAvoidengagement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the operator can observe the engagement state of the tapered surfaces and adjust the retraction sleeve accordingly. The differential adjustment capability allows for precise control to achieve the optimal pressing force without over-screwing, ensuring reliable engagement of the tapered surfaces while maintaining the required pressing force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If the retraction sleeve projects much further rearward than the guide bush sleeve, then desired inner diameter adjustment is achieved, but interference with the spindle or tool occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinner diameter precisionVSAvoidinterference risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a dynamic engagement system where the retraction sleeve can selectively engage with either the guide bush or guide bush sleeve. This allows the operator to perform the majority of the adjustment when engaged with the guide bush sleeve (preventing excessive projection), then switch to fine adjustment engagement with the guide bush to achieve precise inner diameter control without the retraction sleeve projecting excessively rearward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Facilitates quick and easy adjustment of the guide bush inner diameter with reduced risk of interference, simplifying the setup process and minimizing the need for repeated adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

a retraction sleeve which is disposed inside the guide bush sleeve and on which a first screw that engages with the bush screw and a second screw having a different thread pitch from the first screw are formed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP4578577A1Guide bush apparatus and adjustment method for guide bush apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 STAR MICRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4578577A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4578577A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4578577A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are a guide bush apparatus and an adjustment method for a guide bush apparatus, with which adjustments can be made easily. A guide bush apparatus that supports a rod-shaped workpiece so that the workpiece is free to slide in the axis direction of the workpiece includes a guide bush sleeve, a guide bush that is disposed inside the guide bush sleeve, has a bush screw formed thereon, and has an inner diameter that changes in accordance with the relative position thereof relative to the guide bush sleeve in the axis direction, a retraction sleeve which is disposed inside the guide bush sleeve and on which a first screw that engages with the bush screw and a second screw having a different thread pitch from the first screw are formed, and a differential attachment/detachment body on which a differential screw that engages with the second screw is formed, and which can be fixed to and released from the guide bush sleeve.