Leaf Spring Chuck Structure for Thin Annular Workpieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chuck structures for annular workpieces, such as the outer diameter collet chuck and leaf spring-based devices, face challenges in accurately chucking thin and annular workpieces without deformation, with the collet chuck applying excessive force and the leaf spring-based device failing to securely hold workpieces in the radial direction, especially for larger diameters.
Innovation Solution
A chuck structure featuring leaf spring members arranged in an oblique posture with a pressing force applying mechanism that allows synchronized up-and-down movement of pressing members to securely clamp chuck claw members onto the workpiece's radially outer surface, enabling stable chucking with minimal deformation and adjustable force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an outer diameter collet chuck is used to chuck an annular workpiece, then the workpiece can be chucked from the radially outer side, but the radially outer surface of the workpiece may be chucked with an excessively large force causing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of chucking force magnitude by transitioning from a rigid collet chuck to flexible leaf spring members. The leaf spring members apply a relatively small pressing force compared to conventional collets, preventing deformation of thin-walled annular workpieces while maintaining stable chucking through elastic deformation and distributed contact pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs leaf spring members as flexible elements to replace the rigid gripping mechanism of conventional collets. These flexible leaf spring members can adapt to the workpiece contour and distribute the chucking force evenly, preventing localized stress concentration that would cause deformation of thin-walled workpieces.
2Manufacturing precision
If only two leaf spring members are used to clamp the workpiece, then the pressing force can be reduced, but the workpiece cannot be held satisfactorily in the radial direction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the chucking function into multiple independent leaf spring members (typically three or more) arranged circumferentially around the workpiece. Each leaf spring member independently applies radial pressing force, and their combined action provides stable radial holding while maintaining low individual and total pressing forces to prevent workpiece deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple leaf spring members working in parallel to achieve both low pressing force and stable radial holding. The synergistic effect of multiple distributed contact points provides superior radial constraint compared to a single or dual-point clamping mechanism, while the distributed load prevents excessive stress on any single area of the workpiece.
3Manufacturing precision
If a conventional leaf spring-based device is used, then the pressing force can be reduced, but it is structurally difficult to employ for chucking annular workpieces with large diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The invention designs the leaf spring member structure with adjustable geometry and mounting configurations that enable it to accommodate various workpiece sizes, including large diameter annular workpieces. The universal design allows the same basic leaf spring mechanism to be scaled and adapted for different application requirements, maintaining the low pressing force advantage across different workpiece dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extends the conventional two-dimensional leaf spring clamping mechanism into a three-dimensional arrangement with multiple leaf spring members distributed circumferentially and positioned at different radial distances. This spatial arrangement enables effective chucking of large diameter workpieces by providing distributed contact points around the entire circumference, maintaining stability and low pressing force simultaneously.
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 solution allows for stable and accurate chucking of thin and annular workpieces without deformation, even with poor circularity, and enables high-precision working on machine tools like grinding machines by securely seating the workpiece on a backing plate with adjustable chucking force.
Implementation Method 1
a pressing force applying mechanism configured to apply a force of pressing the leaf spring members, to thereby elastically press the chuck claw members onto a radially outer surface of the workpiece
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is a chuck structure, which is configured to chuck an annular workpiece from a radially outer side of the workpiece. The chuck structure includes: leaf spring members arranged at a predetermined pitch along a circumferential direction of the chuck structure so as to be symmetrical with respect to a mechanism center axis; chuck claw members mounted to distal ends of the leaf spring members, respectively; and a pressing force applying mechanism configured to apply a force of pressing the leaf spring members radially inward, to thereby elastically press the chuck claw members onto a radially outer surface of the workpiece.