Machine Tool Interconnection Assembly for Automatic Tool Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional machine tools require manual intervention and complex operations for tool replacement, limiting the ability to quickly and automatically swap individual tools, which increases downtime and operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
An operative assembly with a rotary operating member and a control unit that includes coupling and motion transmission means, allowing for automatic decoupling of tools using compressed air, enabling quick and automated tool replacement without operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual tool replacement is used in traditional machine tools, then the tool replacement process is simple to operate, but the replacement time is long and productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The operative assembly is divided into separate modular components: the interconnection device with coupling means, the operating member with connection means, and the tool. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and enables rapid assembly/disassembly by simply connecting or disconnecting the modules, dramatically improving tool replacement speed while keeping the overall system manageable through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnection device acts as an intermediary component between the rotary operating member and the tool. It includes coupling means for attaching to the operating member and connection means for securing the tool, serving as a mediator that enables rapid tool changes while managing the complexity of the connection mechanism in a standardized way.
2Loss of time
If automatic tool replacement is implemented, then productivity increases and downtime decreases, but the device complexity and automation control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection means are designed with preliminary positioning features and engagement geometries that guide the coupling and decoupling processes. The form connection means and mechanical connection means are pre-configured to automatically align and engage when components are brought together, enabling automatic tool replacement without requiring complex real-time control algorithms or sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with simpler pneumatic or hydraulic actuation for the decoupling process. Compressed air or hydraulic pressure is used to actuate the connection means, replacing the need for complex mechanical linkages, gears, or motors that would be required for fully mechanical automatic decoupling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual tool replacement is enabled, then adaptability and versatility improve, but the complexity of the operating head structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnection device is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate multiple different tool types through standardized coupling means. The same interconnection device can work with various operating members (drills, cutters, saw blades, etc.), eliminating the need for different operating head structures for different tools and actually reducing overall system complexity while improving versatility.
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
Enables fast and fully automated tool replacement operations, minimizing downtime and simplifying the process, as the assembly automatically controls the decoupling of tools from the interconnection device using compressed air, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
said shape connection means can be operated by at least one compressed air flow
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an operative assembly for a machine tool which is provided with at least one rotating operative member and a control unit for controlling said at least one rotating operative member. Such operative assembly comprises: at least one operative member (15, 15', 115) for performing at least one operation on a workpiece; and an interconnection device (1, 101) comprising coupling means (3) for being removably coupled, when in use, with said at least one rotating operative member; and motion transmission means (4, 5, 6; 105) for transmitting, when in use, a rotatory motion from said at least one rotating operative member to said at least one operative member (15, 15', 115). The above mentioned operating assembly also comprises connecting means (8, 12, 14, 18; 108, 114) for removably connecting said at least one operative member (15, 15', 115) with said interconnection device (1, 101). Said interconnection device (1, 101) is configured to receive, when in use, at least one signal from said control unit to automatically cause said at least one operative member (15, 15', 115) to be uncoupled from said interconnection device (1, 101) by deactivating said connecting means (8, 12, 14, 18; 108, 114).