Multi-Edge Tool Clamping Guide for Precise Post-Weld Finishing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for post-weld surface finishing with multi-edge tools are inefficient, requiring skilled personnel and additional tools for setup and maintenance, and fail to maintain precise tolerances, especially when using standard hydraulic machines for cutting or grinding.

Innovation Solution

A multi-edge tool clamping kit composed of steel angle brackets and a stainless steel guide, allowing for quick assembly and precise movement of a multi-edge cutting tool on a hydraulic machine, enabling machining of various weld shapes and sizes without skilled operators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing clamping systems are used for multi-edge tools, then the tool can be held in the machine, but the setup requires additional tools and aids, increases complexity, and requires skilled personnel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability of standard machine to multi-edge toolVSAvoidcomplexity of setup and mounting
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping system is divided into separate modular components: a clamping device with clamping elements, a support device with support elements, and a multi-edge tool. Each component can be independently manufactured and assembled, simplifying the overall system and reducing setup complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping and support devices are designed as universal fixtures that can accommodate multiple types of multi-edge tools with different numbers of cutting edges. The standardized interface allows the same clamping system to be used across different machine tools and tool configurations.

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

2Reliability

If existing clamping systems are used for multi-edge tools, then the tool can be clamped, but it requires skilled personnel for operation and maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping reliabilityVSAvoidease of setup and operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping and support devices are designed to be self-aligning and self-adjusting. The clamping elements and support elements automatically position themselves relative to the tool edges, eliminating the need for skilled alignment procedures. Operators can quickly set up the tool by simply engaging the clamping mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If existing clamping systems are used for multi-edge tools, then the tool can be held, but precise tolerances cannot be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetolerance maintenanceVSAvoidcomplexity of precision positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support device provides localized support at specific points along the tool edges through multiple support elements. Each support element is positioned to maintain precise tolerances at critical locations, ensuring accurate tool positioning without requiring complex overall positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If additional tools and aids are used for mounting, then the tool can be properly mounted, but the setup time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting accuracyVSAvoidsetup speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping device and support device are merged into an integrated fixture system that performs both clamping and positioning functions simultaneously. This eliminates the need for separate mounting tools and aids, reducing setup time while maintaining mounting accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4393646A1A multi-edge tool clamping kit for post-weld surface finishing, use of the multi-edge tool clamping kit for post-weld surface finishing and a method of manufacturingthe multi-edge tool clamping kit for post-weld surface finishing
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 AKAD MORSKA
  • EP4393646A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4393646A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4393646A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The object of the invention is a multi-edge tool clamping kit for post-weld surface finishing, the use of a multi-edge tool clamping kit for post-weld surface finishing and a method of manufacturing a multi-edge tool clamping kit for post-weld surface finishing. The multi-edge tool clamping kit for post-weld surfaces finishing consists of three main structural elements: a left hand unequal-edged steel angle (2), a right hand unequal-edged steel angle (6) and a guide (7) for a stainless steel cutting tool (5) fixed on a stationary table top of a hydraulic machine. The method of manufacturing a kit for clamping a multi-edge tool for post-weld surfaces finishing involves several unit processes such as welding, cutting, milling, drilling, threading for the preparation of the structural elements of the kit consisting of the manufacture of a left-hand unequal-edged steel angle bar (2), a right-hand unequal-edged steel angle bar (6) and a guide (7) for a stainless steel cutting tool (5) with a slot for precise guidance of the tool. The use of a multi-edge tool clamping kit for post-weld surface finishing, confirms the effectiveness of the mounting of the tool clamping kit for removing the weld face allowance from specimens welded according to different welding methods (MMA, MIG/MAG, TIG) of the material (5), with different steel grades treated, i.e. unalloyed structural steel 1050 (S235JR), stainless steel 1.3964 and aluminium alloy 7020 (PA47).