Pivoting Tool Holder Insert for Multi-Profile Tang Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool holder assemblies for press brakes face challenges in accommodating varying tooling styles, tolerances, and maintenance requirements, leading to issues of looseness and increased complexity and cost due to the need for adaptors and regulating elements.
Innovation Solution
A tool holder assembly with an insert body that can pivot to engage tooling of different tang profiles, using an electrical activation system with a motor and gearbox to ensure secure engagement and maintain locked positions even without power, reducing the need for adaptors and complex regulating elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adaptors are used to accommodate different tang profiles, then the tool holder can engage various tooling styles, but the device complexity and cost increase due to positioning and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The insert body is designed with a universal engagement mechanism that can accommodate multiple tang profiles (straight, beveled, curved) through a single standardized interface. The insert body's geometry and activation system work together to engage different tooling styles without requiring separate adaptors for each profile type, thereby achieving multi-functionality while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The activation system regulates the engagement force and movement distance dynamically to match different tang profile requirements. By changing the activation parameters (force magnitude, displacement distance) rather than the physical structure, the system adapts to various tooling styles without adding complex mechanical regulating elements
2Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic or pneumatic regulation systems are incorporated to precisely control activation force, then different tang styles can be accommodated, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hydraulic or pneumatic regulation systems with a simplified mechanical activation system. The insert body utilizes a mechanical cam or lever mechanism that provides inherent force regulation through its geometry, eliminating the need for external hydraulic/pneumatic components while maintaining the ability to accommodate different tang styles through mechanical advantage and controlled displacement
Solution Approach 2:
The activation system is designed to self-regulate the engagement force based on the tang profile being engaged. The mechanical design inherently limits the force applied and the distance of movement, automatically adapting to different tooling styles without requiring external regulation systems. The system serves itself by using the tang's own geometry to determine the appropriate engagement parameters
3Reliability
If shape memory materials or springs are used to compensate for tolerances, then tool and holder variance can be accommodated, but maintenance requirements increase due to wear and periodic replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The tool holder is segmented into a stationary portion and a removable insert body. The insert body can be easily detached and replaced without affecting the main holder structure. This segmentation allows the insert body to absorb wear and tolerance compensation functions, making maintenance simple - just replace the insert body rather than servicing complex shape memory materials or springs throughout the entire holder
Solution Approach 2:
The insert body is designed as a low-cost, easily replaceable component that can withstand wear from accommodating tolerance variations. Rather than using expensive, maintenance-intensive shape memory materials, the system uses a simple, inexpensive insert body that can be replaced quickly when worn, reducing overall maintenance costs and time
4Adaptability or versatility
If the insert body is designed to pivot and shift to engage tooling, then adaptability to different tang profiles is improved, but the activation system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insert body is designed with inherent mobility, allowing it to pivot and shift dynamically during engagement. Rather than using complex multi-actuator systems to control each degree of freedom, the insert body's geometry and mounting allow natural pivoting motion that is simply activated by a single electrical actuator. This dynamic design achieves adaptability with minimal activation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting and shifting functions of the insert body are merged into a single motion sequence activated by one electrical system. Rather than separating the pivoting mechanism and the engagement mechanism into independently controlled systems, the design combines them so that one activation event produces both the pivoting motion and the engagement action, reducing the number of electrical components required
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 provides a secure, efficient, and adaptable tool holder assembly that effectively engages various tooling styles with reduced maintenance needs and lower operational costs by using an electrical activation system for precise clamping and locking.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical activation system to which the movable portion is operatively linked. The electrical activation system has an output shaft which is movable upon activation of the system
Implementation Method 2
The electrical activation system includes a motor and gearbox from which the output shaft extends
Implementation Method 3
The movable portion comprises a body that includes a base portion and two offset fingers. The base portion of the body has formed therein an interiorly-threaded opening. The exteriorly-threaded output shaft is configured to rotate in a first direction upon activation of the activation system and thereby move the movable portion toward the tool channel
Data Source
AI summary
A tool holder assembly and insert body and activation system used with the assembly. The insert body of the tool holder assembly can be configured to shift as needed to engage tooling when the assembly is activated. In some cases, the insert body can be configured to shift further to better engage the tooling. The activation system can be electrical.