Modular Chuck with Independent Guide Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional three-jaw chucks face issues with centering accuracy, holding-position repeatability, and durability, while electromagnetic chucks require magnetic materials and lack self-centering functionality, leading to inefficiencies in object chucking processes.
Innovation Solution
A chuck design featuring independent slot-defining members and pressing members, allowing for improved machining flexibility, increased accuracy, and reduced maintenance costs, combined with a hybrid configuration that integrates self-centering three-jaw and electromagnetic chucking capabilities for enhanced object handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional three-jaw chuck design is used, then self-centering function is provided, but centering accuracy and holding-position repeatability are not satisfactory
Solution Approach 1:
The chuck is divided into independent modular components: the main body, three separate jaw assemblies, and three independent slot-defining members. Each slot-defining member defines a guide slot that independently guides a corresponding jaw assembly, allowing for precise individual adjustment and maintenance of centering accuracy without affecting other components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electromagnetic chuck is used, then magnetic suction force is generated, but object must be made of magnetic material and self-centering function is absent
Solution Approach 1:
The chuck design provides universal applicability by accommodating both magnetic and non-magnetic materials. The slot-defining members with guide slots enable self-centering functionality for all workpiece types, while the jaw engaging portions can adapt to different material properties, making the chuck versatile for various applications regardless of workpiece material composition.
3Area of stationary object
If large-sized chuck is manufactured, then chucking capacity is increased, but manufacturing time is prolonged due to limited machining equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The chuck is segmented into a main body and three separate jaw assemblies with independent slot-defining members. This modular structure allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard-sized machining equipment, avoiding the need for specialized large-capacity machining centers and significantly reducing overall manufacturing time while maintaining large chucking capacity.
4Manufacturing precision
If slot-defining members are made independent of main body, then machining flexibility and accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide slots are formed in three independent slot-defining members rather than being directly machined into the main body. This segmentation allows each slot-defining member to be precisely manufactured and calibrated independently, ensuring high guide slot accuracy while the modular nature simplifies assembly and maintenance despite the increased component count.
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 enhances centering accuracy, reduces manufacturing time, and lowers equipment and maintenance costs by allowing for the use of non-magnetic materials and integrating self-centering functionality, improving the overall efficiency and versatility of the chucking process.
Implementation Method 1
a fitted portion (74) which is slidably fitted in the guide slot (40)
Implementation Method 2
each pair of pressing members (50) engaging with the opening-location surface of the fitted portion (74) of the corresponding one of the three jaws, for thereby preventing separation of the fitted portion
Implementation Method 3
a jaw driving device configured to cause each of the three jaws to be moved along the guide slot defined in a corresponding one of the three slot-defining members, such that the three jaws are moved in synchronization with one another
Data Source
AI summary
A chuck including: (a) a main body; (b) three slot-defining members each constituted by a member independent of the main body and defining therein a guide slot, and detachably attached to the main body; (c) three jaws each including (c-1) a fitted portion slidably fitted in the guide slot defined in the corresponding slot-defining member and (c-2) an engaging portion which projects from the fitted portion in an axial direction and which is configured to engage with a circumferential surface of an object that is to be held by the chuck; and (d) three pairs of pressing members detachably fixed to the three slot-defining members. Each pair of the three pairs of pressing members engage with the fitted portion of the corresponding jaw, for thereby preventing separation of the fitted portion of the corresponding jaw from the guide slot defined in the slot-defining member.