Intermediate Bushing with Spring Bars for Tool Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection systems for tools in machine tools, such as chucks and tool holders, face issues with tools being pulled out due to excessive processing forces during milling, leading to potential damage or destruction of workpieces.
Innovation Solution
A connection system that utilizes an intermediate bushing with radial through-bores and arcuate slots to create spring bars that elastically bend and secure locking elements, such as balls or pins, within the bushing, ensuring a positive fit and preventing the locking elements from escaping, combined with a locking screw for additional axial and rotational security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking element is inserted into a radial through-bore in the intermediate sleeve to prevent tool ejection, then the reliability of tool attachment is improved, but the locking element may escape through the through-bore during assembly or operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces spring bars as an intermediary component between the locking element and the through-bore. These spring bars engage with the locking element and provide elastic retention, preventing escape while allowing controlled insertion. The spring bars act as a mediator that secures the locking element without requiring complete enclosure in the through-bore.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the retention mechanism from rigid to elastic by introducing spring bars with elastic properties. This parameter change allows the retention system to dynamically adapt - providing loose clearance during assembly for easy insertion, then providing elastic retention during operation to prevent escape.
2Ease of operation
If the intermediate sleeve has parallel longitudinal slots to allow elastic deformation for clamping, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural integrity of the intermediate sleeve is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the intermediate sleeve wall into multiple segments separated by longitudinal slots. This segmentation allows each segment to deform independently during clamping operations, providing the necessary elasticity for operation while maintaining overall structural integrity through the distributed slot design rather than a single continuous opening.
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 system ensures safe and simple handling by providing a secure clamping mechanism that prevents tool ejection during processing, enhancing the reliability of tool attachment and reducing the risk of workpiece damage.
Implementation Method 1
spring bars are defined between the circular arc-shaped slot and the through-bore, which are elastically bent outwards when the at least one locking element is inserted into the through-bore from the outside in order to clamp the locking element in the through-bore by means of the elastic restoring force of the spring bars
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a connection system for detachably connecting two components with a component to be clamped (1) – in particular a tool – which has a cylindrical shaft (2), and a clamping component (3) which comprises a cylindrical receptacle (5) in which the cylindrical shaft (2) can be clamped, wherein the outer surface of the cylindrical shaft (2) has at least one recess (11) with which a locking element (13) can engage, wherein an intermediate sleeve (9) is inserted into the cylindrical receptacle (5), in particular having parallel longitudinal slots arranged uniformly along its circumference, and the cylindrical shaft (2) is inserted into the intermediate sleeve (9), wherein at least one locking element (13) is positioned in a through-opening extending through the wall of the intermediate sleeve (9) and engages with the recess (11) of the cylindrical shaft (2).and that the intermediate sleeve (9) has, in particular at its rear end region engaging in the receptacle (5), connecting means (15) by means of which it is positively connected to the clamping element (3). Furthermore, the invention relates to an intermediate sleeve (9) for use in such a connection system; a kit with such an intermediate sleeve (9); and the use of the intermediate sleeve (9).