Interchangeable Machining Tool Tip with Sliding Thrust Axis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machining tools with interchangeable tips face challenges in gripping complex parts over their entire length without compromising concentricity or marking previously machined surfaces, particularly when standard tools are not adaptable for internal gripping without major modifications.
Innovation Solution
A machining tool with a thrust axis that slides along a longitudinal axis, driven by a movable sleeve and a spring member, allowing the fingers to change diameter between two extreme positions for internal clamping, enabling precise gripping and easy tip changes without modifying the spindle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard machining tools with external clamping are used, then the tool structure is simple and compatible with standard machines, but the tool cannot grip complex parts over their entire length without compromising concentricity or marking previously machined surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional clamping approach by transitioning from external clamping to internal clamping. The fingers are configured to grip parts from the inside of cavities rather than from the outside, enabling access to complex geometries that cannot be gripped by their ends. This inversion resolves the adaptability issue while maintaining compatibility with standard machine spindles through the interchangeable tip design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the clamping function into interchangeable tips that can be easily replaced. Each tip is a self-contained unit with fingers configured for specific gripping applications. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different part geometries by simply changing the tip rather than redesigning the entire tool, thus improving versatility without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom-made internal grippers are used, then the gripping capability for complex parts is improved, but the device requires major modifications to the spindle and is not modular
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal interface between the interchangeable tips and the standard machine spindle. The body of each tip is designed to fit into conventional spindles without modification, while the fingers provide internal gripping capability. This universality allows the same spindle to accommodate multiple tip types for different applications, eliminating the need for custom spindle modifications and enabling modular operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a mobile sleeve that can move along the longitudinal axis to actuate the fingers between open and closed positions. This dynamic mechanism allows the rigid fingers to transition between states, enabling the tip to adapt to different part sizes and geometries while maintaining a compact, modular structure that fits standard spindles.
3Manufacturing precision
If the fingers are made rigid for precise gripping, then the gripping precision is improved, but the fingers cannot deform elastically to accommodate different part sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the finger portions that contact the part elastic, while keeping the overall tip structure rigid for precision. The fingers are split along their length to allow elastic deformation in the radial direction, enabling them to conform to different part sizes. The rigid body and connection to the mobile sleeve maintain positioning precision and concentricity during this localized flexibility.
4Reliability
If the clamping force is increased for rigid gripping, then the gripping stability is improved, but the fingers may deform excessively or damage the part
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the fingers from rigid to elastic, allowing them to deform controllably under clamping force. This parameter change enables the fingers to absorb excess force through elastic deformation rather than transmitting it to the part, preventing damage while maintaining gripping stability. The elastic fingers return to their original position when force is released, ensuring repeatable positioning.
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
This solution allows for precise, rigid gripping of parts over their entire length without altering the machine or grip, enabling efficient machining with improved concentricity and reduced setup time, while maintaining tool compatibility with standard machines.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member (42) arranged inside the clamp and arranged to return the thrust pin (32) into its initial position
Implementation Method 2
a body (10) split on the side of its second end (10b), along the longitudinal axis, so as to define fingers (18) able to deform elastically, in a radial direction
Data Source
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AI summary
The tool has an interchangeable endpiece clamp including a cylindrical body provided with an end, a free end, a shoulder (20) and a thrust axle that slides between two end positions. The axle is not subjected to mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic driving force transmitted via a movable dowel bush (37) of a drill spindle, and fingers of the free end define an outer diameter, in one of the positions. The axle is subjected to the driving force, and co-operates with the free end to allow the fingers to define another outer diameter larger than the former diameter, in the other position.