Hydro Chuck Layout to Avoid Adjacent Tool Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing hydro chucks for Swiss type automatic lathes face challenges in operability and safety due to the large outside diameter of the operational portion, which interferes with adjacent cutting tools and requires complex tool replacement procedures, especially in limited spaces.
Innovation Solution
A hydro chuck design with an operational portion positioned opposite to the chuck portion across the tool mount, allowing secure space for piston operation, and featuring a protruding stopper for easy mounting, coolant supply, and inclined communication passages to avoid interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operational portion is positioned on the outer circumference side of the chuck portion, then the hydro chuck can be mounted to the tool mount, but the large outside diameter of the operational portion interferes with adjacent cutting tools and reduces operability
Solution Approach 1:
The operational portion is inverted from its conventional position on the outer circumference side to the inner circumference side of the chuck portion. This inversion allows the operational portion to be recessed into the tool mount through the chuck attaching hole, eliminating radial interference with adjacent cutting tools while maintaining access for operating the pressurizing piston.
2Ease of operation
If the operational portion has a large outside diameter, then the pressurizing piston can be accommodated, but it requires complex tool replacement procedures and reduces safety in limited spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The operational portion is nested within the tool mount by recessing it through the chuck attaching hole. The pressurizing piston is accommodated within the operational portion, which itself is nested in the tool mount structure. This nested arrangement allows the operational portion to have sufficient volume for the pressurizing piston while maintaining a compact radial profile that does not interfere with adjacent cutting tools.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the operational portion is recessed into the tool mount, then interference with adjacent tools is minimized, but the mounting procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The operational portion is designed with a protruding stopper that engages with the tool mount before full insertion is completed. This preliminary engagement guides the mounting process and ensures proper positioning, simplifying the overall mounting procedure despite the recessed configuration. The stopper acts as a mechanical guide that prevents misalignment during installation.
4Ease of manufacture
If the communication passage is inclined, then coolant supply is improved, but the structural complexity of the operational portion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication passage is designed with an inclination rather than being perpendicular to the axis of the chuck portion. This inclined configuration allows coolant to flow more effectively from the operational portion to the cutting tool, improving cooling performance. The inclination angle is optimized to balance coolant flow efficiency with structural simplicity, avoiding excessive complexity in the operational portion 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
Enhances safety and ease of tool attachment/detachment by securing operational space and minimizing interference, improving operability and durability while allowing coolant supply without disrupting adjacent tools.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurizing piston (22) disposed in the communication passage (21) and adjusting the pressure of fluid inside the fluid pressure chamber (14)
Implementation Method 2
the chuck portion (4) being configured such that in association with a rise of a pressure of the fluid inside the fluid pressure chamber (14), the sleeve (12) is reduced in its diameter to grip the gripped object
Data Source
AI summary
A hydro chuck includes a shank portion provided on one end side in a longitudinal direction and having, on a leading end side thereof, a cylindrical chuck portion for gripping a gripped object and an operational portion provided on the other end side in the longitudinal direction and disposed in continuation from the shank portion. The shank portion is fixable by being inserted to a tool mount included in a machine tool. The chuck portion includes a sleeve gripping the gripped object and a fluid pressure chamber formed on an outer circumference side of the sleeve and filled with fluid, the chuck portion being configured such that in association with a rise of a pressure of the fluid inside the fluid pressure chamber, the sleeve is reduced in its diameter to grip the gripped object. The operational portion includes a communication passage communicated to the fluid pressure chamber and a pressurizing piston disposed in the communication passage and adjusting the pressure of the fluid inside the fluid pressure chamber.