Inclined Guide Clamping Interface for Compact Tool Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interface and separation points in tool systems require precise manufacturing and significant axial space for clamping mechanisms, leading to issues with precision, service life, and tilting of components, especially in small diameter ranges.

Innovation Solution

The interface design features inclined guides for clamping elements, allowing for axial movement during release and symmetrical force application, reducing the need for complex shaping and axial length, while maintaining precise alignment and concentricity through cone and flat surface contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional clamping mechanisms with perpendicular guides are used, then simple actuation is achieved, but the mechanism requires large axial space and has poor precision in small diameter ranges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimple actuationVSAvoidaxial space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The guide for the clamping element is inclined at an angle to the axial direction, introducing a radial component to the clamping element's movement. This dimensional change allows the drive spindle to generate both axial clamping force and radial positioning simultaneously, reducing the required axial space while maintaining simple actuation through the drive spindle's rotation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If conventional clamping mechanisms are used, then simple actuation is achieved, but components tend to tilt over time reducing service life

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimple actuationVSAvoidservice life

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The inclined guide creates an asymmetric force distribution during actuation, where the clamping element's movement path is angled relative to the axial direction. This asymmetry in the guide geometry enables the drive spindle to simultaneously control both the axial clamping force and the radial position of the clamping element, preventing tilting and improving service life while maintaining simple actuation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional clamping mechanisms with complex shaping are used, then precise alignment is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecise alignmentVSAvoidmanufacturing costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The inclined guide serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the clamping element's movement, generates the radial positioning component, and enables the drive spindle to control both axial and radial positions through a single actuation mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for complex separate positioning mechanisms, lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining precise alignment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2641679B1Interface between two system modules of a tool system

Publication Date: 2018.10.17 GUEHRING KG

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AI summary

The interface has a system part comprising an axial, central recess into which projections (26) are engaged in a form-fit manner. Clamping elements (40, 42) are used for generation of an anchoring force for anchoring system modules (10, 20) during a release movement. A guide (48) for the clamping elements is bent at an angle (alpha) to an axis (32) of a drive spindle (30) such that the drive spindle is axially moved for transmission of the anchoring force on the projections during the release movement of the clamping elements.