Mounting Plate Adapter for Machine Tool Chuck Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing workpiece holding devices for machine tools require the removal and replacement of chucks, which increases setup time and costs, especially with automated chucks, due to the need to disconnect power lines and handle heavy face plates.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with chuck locators and a mounting plate allows for the attachment of a workpiece holding device to a machine tool's chuck without removing the chuck, enabling alignment through a three-point technique and eliminating the need to disconnect power lines from automated chucks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a chuck is removed and replaced with a face plate to use specialized workpiece holding devices, then the workpiece can be held effectively, but the setup time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece holding effectivenessVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting plate is attached to the chuck, creating a nested configuration where the workpiece holding device mounts to the mounting plate which in turn mounts to the chuck. This nested structure allows specialized holding devices to be used without removing the chuck, maintaining reliability while reducing setup time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting plate acts as an intermediary component between the chuck and the workpiece holding device. It provides interface features that allow the holding device to be mounted to the chuck through the mounting plate, eliminating the need to remove the chuck while still enabling effective workpiece holding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If an automated hydraulic chuck is removed and replaced with a face plate, then the workpiece holding device can be installed, but the effort and complexity increase due to hydraulic line disconnection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of device installationVSAvoidcomplexity of installation process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting plate serves as an intermediary that remains attached to the automated chuck, allowing the workpiece holding device to be mounted without disconnecting hydraulic lines. The mounting plate intercepts the mounting process before hydraulic disconnection would be required, simplifying installation while maintaining automated chuck functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is segmented into separate functional components: the chuck retains its automated hydraulic functionality, the mounting plate provides the interface for workpiece holding devices, and the holding device itself. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and installed in a simpler sequence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If a heavy face plate is handled and mounted to the spindle, then the workpiece holding device can be installed, but the physical effort and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of device installationVSAvoidweight of face plate

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting plate is designed to be attached to the existing chuck structure, creating a nested arrangement where the lighter mounting plate carries the workpiece holding device. This eliminates the need to handle and mount heavy face plates while achieving the same functional goal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Ease of manufacture

If the chuck is detached from the spindle for face plate installation, then the workpiece holding device can be mounted, but the machining productivity decreases due to setup operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of device installationVSAvoidmachining productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The chuck remains continuously attached to the spindle throughout the process of installing the workpiece holding device. The mounting plate is attached to the mounted chuck, and the holding device is then mounted to the mounting plate, all without detaching the chuck from the spindle. This continuous attachment eliminates setup time and maintains machining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS8262099B2Apparatus for adapting a workpiece holding device to a machine tool

Publication Date: 2012.09.11 LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP

AI summary

An apparatus for adapting a workpiece holding device to a chuck of a machine tool includes a plurality of chuck locators configured for attachment to the chuck, such that the plurality of chuck locators includes at least three chuck locators. The apparatus further includes a mounting plate configured for attachment to the workpiece holding device. The mounting plate includes a body and a plurality of mounting plate locators corresponding to the plurality of chuck locators, such that the plurality of mounting plate locators are attached to the body and are configured to interface with the plurality of chuck locators.