Multi-Process Tool Holder for Shank Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tool holding devices for shank type tools require multiple manual handling steps for pretreatment, coating, and posttreatment, leading to labor inefficiency and potential tool damage, and are not adaptable for batches with varying geometries or diameters, resulting in inconsistent coating homogeneity and increased costs due to the need for dedicated holders.
Innovation Solution
A tool holding device with multiple tool holders that allow for upright, rotatable positioning of shank type tools, featuring escape openings for fluid and solid treatment agents, enabling use across multiple process steps without contamination, and a modular design for accommodating different tool diameters, facilitating three-fold rotation and efficient handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple manual handling steps are used for pretreatment, coating, and posttreatment, then each process step can be performed with dedicated equipment, but labor efficiency decreases and tool damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple process steps (pretreatment, coating, posttreatment) into a single integrated tool holder system. The tool holder includes multiple chambers that can accommodate different treatment processes sequentially, eliminating the need to manually transfer tools between separate equipment. This merging of functions reduces handling steps, improves labor efficiency, and prevents tool damage during transfers.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool holder is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions: pretreatment chamber, coating chamber, and posttreatment chamber are all integrated into one holder. This multi-functional design allows the same tool holder to be used across different process steps without requiring dedicated holders for each process, thereby reducing manual handling and improving productivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If dedicated tool holders are used for each process step, then coating quality can be optimized, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using separate tool holders for pretreatment, coating, and posttreatment, the patent merges these functions into a single multi-chamber tool holder. Each chamber is optimized for its specific process (e.g., cleaning agents in pretreatment chamber, coating deposition in coating chamber), maintaining coating quality while reducing the total number of holders needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool holder is designed as a universal multi-functional device that can accommodate different process steps within its integrated chambers. The holder includes features such as removable inserts and adjustable configurations that allow it to adapt to different tool types and process requirements, maintaining manufacturing precision without increasing device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If tools with different geometries and diameters are processed in separate batches, then each tool type receives optimal treatment, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool holder is designed with universal features that allow it to accommodate tools with different geometries and diameters. The holder includes adjustable clamping mechanisms, removable inserts, and configurable chambers that can be adapted to various tool types. This universality enables synchronous processing of mixed tool batches while maintaining optimal coating quality for each tool type.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool holder is segmented into multiple independent chambers and modular components that can be configured differently for each tool type. This segmentation allows each chamber to be optimized for specific tool geometries while maintaining the ability to process multiple tool types simultaneously in a single batch, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing coating quality.
4Reliability
If tools are manually transferred between process steps, then each process can be controlled independently, but handling time and tool damage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple process steps into a single integrated tool holder that remains with the tool throughout the entire treatment sequence. The tool is loaded once into the holder and then moved through pretreatment, coating, and posttreatment chambers without being manually transferred. This eliminates handling time and protects the tool from damage during transfers.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated tool holder enables continuous processing of the tool through all process steps without interruption or manual handling. The holder maintains a continuous sealed environment for the tool, allowing pretreatment, coating, and posttreatment to occur in sequence without breaking the process continuity, thereby reducing handling time and protecting the tool.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a tool holding device for shank type tools, comprising at least one tool holder, a base part and a top part, whereby at least the top part comprises uptake holes for the at least one tool holder characterized in that, the tool holding device can be used for more than one process step among transfer, cleaning, pretreatment, coating, posttreatment, and each of the at least one tool holders can optionally take up a sleeve holding the shank type tool in a distinct, preferably upright position and comprises one or more openings, which allow fluid and/or solid treatment agents to exit the tool holder and/or sleeve and the at least one tool holder and/or sleeve enables three-fold rotation of the shank type tool. Further a method using the inventive tool holding device is disclosed.