Pivot Tool Holder for Automatic Lathe

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing systems for automatic switching table machines require significant time and effort for tool changes, resulting in lengthy business interruptions and high costs due to the cumbersome process of disconnecting and reconnecting the tool holder from hydraulic and ejection devices.

Innovation Solution

The tool holder is pivotably mounted between unit carriers, allowing easy access for tool changes by loosening screw connections, pivoting, and then reattaching, with adapters providing a secure and flexible connection to hydraulic and ejection devices, enabling quick tool replacement and minimizing operational downtime.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the tool holder is fixedly connected to hydraulic and ejection devices, then connection stability is improved, but tool change time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidtool change time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into modular components: the tool holder, adapters, and hydraulic/ejection devices are separated into distinct, interchangeable units. The adapters serve as intermediate connection elements that can be quickly detached and reattached, enabling tool holder replacement without complete disconnection of all components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system transitions from a fixed, static arrangement to a dynamic, movable configuration. The tool holder can be pivoted between working position and maintenance position, and connections are designed to be rapidly assembled and disassembled, allowing the system to adapt between operational and tool-changing states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the tool holder is easily accessible for tool changes, then tool change speed is improved, but connection stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool change accessibilityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Adapters are introduced as intermediary components between the tool holder and the hydraulic/ejection devices. These adapters remain permanently mounted on the devices, serving as stable connection points while allowing the tool holder to be easily removed and reattached. The adapters provide both accessibility for quick tool changes and stability for reliable connections during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the tool holder is pivotably mounted, then tool change accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool holder accessibilityVSAvoidmounting mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of implementing a fully automated or overly complex positioning mechanism, the solution uses a simple pivot mounting that provides sufficient accessibility for tool changes. The pivot mechanism allows the tool holder to be moved to a convenient maintenance position without requiring precise automation, achieving the necessary accessibility with minimal added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

Tool changes can be completed within 30 minutes, significantly reducing business interruption and operational costs, making the system more economically viable.

Implementation Method 1

the outer cones of the tool holder and the inner cones of the adapter slide off one another. This presses the tool holder onto the contact surfaces of the adapters

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3280555B1System comprising a deformation manufacturing machine and an indexing table
Publication Date: 2019.09.18 EKM ROTH
  • EP3280555B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3280555B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3280555B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (100) for forming in an automatic indexing plate lathe (13), comprising a tool holder (10), mounted between two unit carriers (11, 12) in an automatic indexing plate lathe (13), for holding at least one forming tool (14, 15), the tool holder (10) being mounted such that it can be pivoted between the unit carriers (11, 12).