Machine Tool Cartridge with Composite Body and Electronic Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tool cartridges are either too heavy and prone to breakage or lack durability, and they do not efficiently manage tool sets with varying sizes and shapes, requiring frequent exchanges and storage solutions that can wear down the machine tool.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, durable cartridge design with resilient punch and die retention arms, a stripper locator base, and an optional electronic information storage device, featuring a metal or composite main body with weight-reduction pockets and coatings for improved performance and wear resistance, allowing for swift movements and reduced wear on the machine tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cartridges are made of cast iron or heavy materials, then durability and resistance to breakage are improved, but weight increases causing slower movements and increased wear on machine tool
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge employs composite construction combining aluminum alloy main body (lightweight) with steel retention arms (durable). This composite approach allows the cartridge to achieve both light weight for swift movement and durability for resistance to breakage, resolving the contradiction between weight and reliability.
2Weight of moving object
If cartridges are made of plastic, then weight is reduced facilitating swift movements, but durability and resistance to breakage deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge uses aluminum alloy for the main body to achieve light weight like plastic cartridges, while steel retention arms provide the durability and breakage resistance typically associated with heavier materials. This composite solution resolves the contradiction between weight reduction and durability enhancement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tool sets of different sizes and shapes are stored in cartridges, then versatility is improved, but cartridge design complexity increases making manufacturing more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is divided into modular components: a standardized main body and interchangeable retention arms. The retention arms can be selectively replaced to accommodate different tool set configurations (punches, dies, stripers), providing versatility while keeping the main body design simple and easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge main body is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate various tool sets through interchangeable retention arms. This universal design allows a single basic cartridge structure to serve multiple functions and accommodate different tool configurations without requiring complex custom designs for each tool type.
4Adaptability or versatility
If frequent cartridge exchanges are performed to manage varying tool sets, then adaptability is improved, but wear on machine tool mounting position increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is pre-loaded with complete tool sets before being mounted on the machine tool. This preliminary preparation allows for quick exchange of entire tool sets rather than individual tools, reducing the frequency and complexity of mounting operations and thereby reducing wear on the machine tool's mounting position.
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge for a machine tool is provided. The cartridge has a main body, two punch-retention arms, and two die-retention arms. Preferably, the cartridge also has a stripper locator base. In some embodiments, the cartridge is provided with an electronic information storage device.