Pneumatic Spindle Clamping Structure for Dual Tool Holders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spindle structures with axially driven tool-holder releasing mechanisms are bulky due to the size requirements of the driving mechanism, making it difficult to reduce the overall size and accommodate multiple tool holders efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatically-driven tool-holder releasing mechanism is integrated laterally, utilizing a sliding member with a gas valve and restoring mechanism to selectively secure or release tool holders, reducing the axial length and allowing for two tool holders to be connected simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional axially-driven clamping mechanism is used, then the tool holder can be securely clamped, but the spindle structure becomes bulky and the axial length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from axial movement to radial movement for the clamping mechanism. The sliding member moves radially outward to release the tool holder, and the restoring mechanism pushes it radially inward to clamp. This dimensional change eliminates the need for long axial travel, significantly reducing the spindle's axial length while maintaining clamping functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a gas valve and gas cavity to provide pneumatic actuation for the sliding member. Gas pressure drives the sliding member radially outward to release the tool holder, replacing complex mechanical axial driving mechanisms. This pneumatic system compactly achieves the clamping and releasing functions while minimizing the spindle's axial dimension.
2Reliability
If a conventional driving mechanism is disposed on the rear end of the clamping mechanism, then the clamping function is achieved, but the spindle volume increases and multiple tool holders cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the driving action from the axial direction to the radial direction. The sliding member and restoring mechanism operate radially within the spindle's cross-sectional area, utilizing space that would otherwise be wasted. This allows the spindle to accommodate multiple tool holders along the axial direction without increasing overall volume, as each tool holder position has its own radial clamping mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the sliding member and restoring mechanism as universal components that can be replicated for multiple tool holder positions. The same radial clamping mechanism structure serves multiple functions by being positioned at different axial locations, allowing the spindle to handle multiple tools simultaneously without proportionally increasing volume.
3Volume of stationary object
If the spindle structure is compacted to reduce size, then the volume is reduced, but it becomes difficult to accommodate multiple tool holders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the spindle into multiple independent clamping zones along the axial direction, each capable of holding a tool holder. The radial clamping mechanism is segmented and replicated at different positions, allowing multiple tool holders to be accommodated independently within a compact volume. Each segment operates autonomously with its own sliding member and restoring mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
By moving the clamping action to the radial dimension, the patent frees up axial space to accommodate multiple tool holders. The radial operation of the clamping mechanism allows the spindle to stack multiple tool holder positions axially without requiring additional axial travel space for each clamping action, thereby increasing tool holder capacity within a reduced overall volume.
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 reduces the spindle's size and enhances efficiency by enabling the connection of two tool holders while minimizing the exposed size of the releasing mechanism, thus reducing the overall volume and improving processing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The gas valve is adapted for connecting to a gas source in order to inject gas into the gas cavity via the gas channel so that the at least one sliding member is pushed to slide outward along the axial direction
Implementation Method 2
The at least one restoring mechanism is arranged in the receiving room and provides an elastic force to the sliding member in order to push the at least one sliding member to move toward the blind end of the at least one receiving room
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a spindle structure including a base, a spindle, a sliding member, a restoring mechanism, and a restriction member. The spindle is rotatably received in the base and forms a receiving room. An end of the receiving room is a blind end communicating exterior via a gas channel. The sliding member is slidably received in the receiving room, and two ends thereof are a piston and a driving portion respectively. A gas cavity is defined between the piston and the blind end. The sliding member tends to move toward the blind end due to the restoring mechanism. The restriction member is connected to the driving portion and radially deforms when the sliding member slides so as to fix or to release the tool-holder. The sliding member slides outward when the gas cavity is injected with gas via the gas channel.