Machining Head Direct Coupling for Faster Tool Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

The coupling of machining tools to machining heads is complex and requires a separate adapter device, making the process cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A machining head with a direct coupling interface that allows for the direct connection of machining tools without an adapter device, enabling quick and automated coupling and decoupling, and featuring integrated driving and thrust mechanisms for various machining operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a separate adapter device is used to couple machining tools to machining heads, then the coupling can be achieved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the cumbersome coupling process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of coupling machining toolVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter device is extracted and eliminated from the system. The machining head is equipped with a coupling interface that directly accepts machining tools, removing the intermediate adapter component and simplifying the overall device structure while improving ease of coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling interface is merged directly into the machining head structure. The drive mechanism and coupling interface are integrated as one unit, eliminating the need for separate adapter devices and reducing the number of components involved in the coupling process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If a separate adapter device is used for coupling, then tool coupling is possible, but the productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming tool changes

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidtime for tool changes
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling interface is prepared in advance on the machining head, with drive mechanisms and coupling elements pre-positioned. This preliminary arrangement enables rapid tool attachment without requiring intermediate adapter devices or complex alignment procedures, significantly reducing tool change time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling interface acts as an intermediary structure that directly connects the machining head to the machining tool. This integrated interface eliminates the need for separate adapter devices and enables quick, automated coupling and decoupling operations, thereby improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a separate adapter device is used, then tool coupling can be achieved, but the adaptability deteriorates due to limited compatibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability of machining headVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling interface is designed with universal compatibility to accept different types of machining tools directly. The standardized interface with integrated drive mechanisms enables the machining head to work with various tools without requiring specific adapter devices, thereby enhancing adaptability while maintaining simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11945068B2Machining head for the mechanical, in particular cutting, machining of a workpiece
Publication Date: 2024.04.02 AFW HLDG GMBH
  • US11945068B2 patent drawing
  • US11945068B2 patent drawing
  • US11945068B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A machining head for the mechanical, in particular cutting, machining, in particular for the actuation, of a workpiece, having: —a housing, —a housing-side coupling region for coupling a machining tool to be coupled to the machining head, wherein the housing-side coupling region comprises at least one coupling interface for directly coupling a machining tool to be coupled to the machining head.