Loose Top Drilling Tool Varying Clamping Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling tools with loose tops face challenges in reliable and efficient mounting, centering, and material usage, as the clamping force is uniformly high during rotation, making it difficult for operators to determine the end position and leading to potential miscentering and increased labor.
Innovation Solution
The side contact surfaces of the loose top are designed with edges that increase deflection up to a predetermined position, providing a maximal clamping force which then decreases, allowing for tactile or auditory feedback upon reaching the end position, optimizing grip and reducing material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the clamping force is uniformly high during rotation, then the loose top is securely clamped, but it becomes difficult for operators to determine the end position and potential miscentering occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by designing the clamping force to vary cyclically during the mounting rotation. The clamping force increases to a maximum at a predetermined position, then decreases to a minimum at the end position, creating a periodic pattern that provides tactile and auditory feedback to the operator, making it easy to detect when mounting is complete while maintaining secure clamping throughout the cycle.
2Reliability
If the clamping force is uniformly high throughout rotation, then secure pinching is achieved, but operator effort increases and labor efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by creating a cyclic variation in clamping force during the mounting process. The force reaches a maximum at a predetermined position to ensure secure pinching, then decreases to a minimum at the end position, reducing operator effort during the final stage while maintaining mounting reliability through the periodic force pattern.
3Reliability
If the branches are made longer to improve clamping, then clamping effectiveness increases, but the basic body structure becomes more complex and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical dimensions of the contact surfaces rather than extending the branch length. Specifically, the side contact surfaces are designed with edges at predetermined distances from the rotation axis, and the inner support surfaces are positioned at optimized locations. This changes the geometric parameters to achieve effective clamping with shorter branches, reducing structural complexity.
4Reliability
If the side contact surfaces have larger diametrical dimension, then clamping area increases, but material usage increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the diametrical dimension of the side contact surfaces. The edges of the side contact surfaces are positioned at predetermined distances from the rotation axis, creating an optimized contact area that provides sufficient clamping reliability while minimizing the amount of material required for the loose top.
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 design ensures reliable and efficient mounting with reduced operator effort, precise centering, and minimal material consumption, while allowing for high torque transfer and secure clamping of the loose top.
Implementation Method 1
two axially protruding, peripherally situated branches that are elastically bendable and have the purpose of, on one hand, resiliently clamping the loose top in the jaw by inner support surfaces of the branches being pressed against external side contact surfaces of the loose top
Implementation Method 2
The side contact surfaces of the loose top are designed with edges that increase deflection up to a predetermined position, providing a maximal clamping force which then decreases
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A drilling tool of the loose top type includes a basic body (1) having two bendable branches (15) having inner support surfaces (17) that are resiliently pressable against side contact surfaces (23) of a replaceable loose top (2). The mounting of the loose top is affected by turning-in from an initial position to an operative end position. An edge (40) along each side contact surface (23) then bends out the branches (15) and subjects the same to a spring force that reaches a maximum in a dead position so as to then decrease somewhat up to the operative end position. During the final phase of the rotary motion, the operator obtains - in a tactile and/or auditory way - confirmation of the loose top indeed reaching its operative end position.