Internal Clamp Tool Coupling to Reduce Jamming in Turning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool couplings for metal cutting processes, particularly in turning operations, face challenges in achieving a stable and efficient clamping mechanism that minimizes jamming and snagging risks while providing a robust clamping configuration.
Innovation Solution
A tool coupling design featuring a first and second component with male and female clamping portions, respectively, and a clamp with engagement regions, where the clamp's forward engagement portion occupies the female clamping portion, and the clamp's second engagement region contacts the inner cavity's second abutment region, ensuring a stable clamping configuration and minimizing jamming risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a traditional clamping mechanism with multiple contact points is used, then the clamping stability is improved, but the risk of jamming and snagging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is segmented into distinct functional zones: the first clamping surface provides primary clamping contact, while the second clamping surface provides secondary support. This segmentation allows each surface to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, reducing jamming risk while maintaining stability
Solution Approach 2:
The first clamping surface acts as an intermediary element between the clamping tool and the workpiece. It transfers the clamping force from the tool through the intermediate surface to the workpiece, distributing the stress and reducing the likelihood of direct contact-induced jamming
2Strength
If a complex clamping configuration with multiple engagement regions is used, then the clamping robustness is improved, but the assembly and disassembly efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism incorporates dynamic elements that allow automatic adjustment during assembly. The first and second clamping surfaces are positioned to engage in a specific sequence, allowing the mechanism to self-align and reduce manual adjustment requirements, thereby maintaining robustness while improving assembly efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping surfaces are pre-positioned and pre-oriented during manufacturing to ensure proper engagement geometry. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures during assembly, maintaining strong clamping while simplifying the assembly process
Data Source
AI summary
A tool coupling extends along a longitudinal axis and has a first component, a second component, and a clamp for fastening the first component to the second component. The first component has a male clamping portion, the second component has a female clamping portion, and the clamp is located in an inner cavity of the second component. The male clamping portion has a first abutment region located axially rearward of a first plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the inner cavity has a second abutment region located axially forward of the first plane, and the first and second abutment regions face towards the first plane. In a fastened state, a clamp first engagement region of the clamp makes clamping contact with the male clamping portion's first abutment region, and a clamp second engagement region of the clamp makes clamping contact with the inner cavity's second abutment region.