Hydraulic Lathe Tool Expander Prevents Jamming
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Apparatus for holding lathe stick tools in rotary lathes are mechanically cumbersome and prone to jamming due to metal cuttings and debris.
Innovation Solution
A lathe tool mounting expander assembly with hydraulic rams and pistons that securely compress the tool shank within the turret channel, using a block with cylindrical voids and a jack screw actuator to deploy hydraulic pressure for secure holding and debris prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical apparatus are used to hold lathe tools in rotary lathes, then tool holding function is achieved, but the apparatus become fouled or jammed due to metal cuttings and debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical tool holding apparatus with a hydraulic system. Hydraulic rams mounted on a carrier block use fluid pressure to expand and secure tools against the turret channel walls, eliminating complex mechanical moving parts that are susceptible to fouling and jamming from metal cuttings and debris.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a hydraulic system using rams that extend and retract to hold and release tools. The hydraulic mechanism provides reliable tool holding through fluid pressure-driven expansion, avoiding the problems of mechanical apparatus while maintaining the essential tool securing function.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical apparatus are used to hold lathe tools, then tool securing function is provided, but the apparatus become mechanically cumbersome and inconvenient to utilize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the tool holding mechanism by replacing cumbersome mechanical apparatus with a compact hydraulic system. The hydraulic rams and carrier block provide tool securing functionality with fewer moving parts, making the system less complex and easier to operate while maintaining reliable tool holding.
3Strength
If hydraulic rams are used to compress tool shank, then secure tool holding is achieved, but additional components and complexity are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic rams mounted on a carrier block to generate strong compressive forces against the tool shank. The hydraulic system provides high holding strength through fluid pressure, and the carrier block integrates multiple rams to distribute the holding force effectively while managing system complexity through modular design.
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 assembly provides a secure, easy-to-use, and debris-resistant method for holding lathe tools, preventing fouling and jamming, and allowing for efficient tool interchange and operation.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulic rams which press against and hold the shank of a lathe stick tool
Implementation Method 2
a jack screw actuator which is connected operatively to the block and to the second piston
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic fluid actuated lathe tool mounting expander assembly incorporating a block having a base, an inner end, an outer end, a compression end, and a compression face; a first cylindrical void extending into the block, the first cylindrical void having a floor and opening at the block's compression face; a second cylindrical void extending into the block, the second cylindrical void having a floor and opening at the block's outer end; first and second pistons respectively slidably mounted within the first and second cylindrical voids; a conduit extending between the first and second cylindrical voids, the conduit being adapted for conveying the hydraulic fluid from the second cylindrical void to the first cylindrical void; and a jack screw actuator connected operatively to the block for driving the second piston against the hydraulic fluid for upwardly driving the first piston.