Power Chuck Jaw Change Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power chucks with clamping fingers require complex and time-consuming jaw changes, often necessitating tools and resulting in high setup times and potential inaccuracies due to tilting forces during clamping, especially on vertical lathes.
Innovation Solution
The clamping jaws are positively connected to the clamping fingers via spring catches or bayonet locks, allowing for tool-free and rapid jaw changes, with spring catches using a locking pin and compression spring, and bayonet locks employing a bolt and U-shaped groove for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clamping jaws are connected to clamping fingers using tongue and groove connection with longer screws and cross pin, then the connection is secure, but the device complexity increases and jaw changing becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into modular components: the clamping finger with integrated locking pin, the sleeve on the clamping jaw, and the compression spring. This segmentation allows for easier assembly and disassembly while maintaining secure connection through the interlocking pin-and-sleeve mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression spring introduces dynamic elements to the connection system, allowing the locking pin to be easily displaced for jaw removal and replacement. The spring-loaded mechanism enables quick jaw changing by simply pressing the pressure piece to displace the pin, without requiring tools or complex operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If clamping jaws are connected with multiple components and longer screws, then the connection is stable, but the ease of operation decreases due to difficult access and tool requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction principle is applied by removing the need for external tools and complex fastening operations. The locking pin is integrated into the clamping finger structure, and the sleeve on the clamping jaw provides a built-in receptacle. The compression spring enables the pin to be easily displaced with a simple pressure piece, eliminating the need for screwdrivers or other tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is designed to be self-servicing through the spring-loaded locking mechanism. The compression spring automatically maintains the locking pin in the engaged position during normal operation, and the pressure piece provides a simple interface for jaw removal. This self-service design eliminates the need for external tools and complex operational procedures.
3Manufacturing precision
If clamping jaws are securely fastened with multiple fastening elements, then the clamping accuracy is maintained, but the loss of time increases due to tool requirements and difficult handling
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin is pre-positioned in the clamping finger and the sleeve is pre-formed on the clamping jaw, creating a ready-to-engagement connection system. The compression spring is pre-loaded to automatically maintain the locking pin in the engaged position. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid jaw changing without requiring time-consuming fastening operations or external tools.
4Ease of operation
If simpler connection methods are used for jaw attachment, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability decreases due to insufficient guidance and tilting forces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin is nested within the clamping finger structure, and the sleeve on the clamping jaw provides a nested receptacle for the pin. This nested arrangement ensures proper alignment and guidance of the clamping jaw on the clamping finger, preventing tilting forces while maintaining a simple and easy-to-operate connection system. The spring-loaded mechanism further enhances reliability by maintaining constant engagement pressure.
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
Enables quick and secure jaw changes without tools, ensuring accurate clamping and reducing setup times while maintaining secure jaw retention, even under difficult installation conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a locking pin (33) inserted into a bore (32) running perpendicular to the axis of the clamping finger (11) and a recess (37) provided in the sleeve (26) of the clamping jaw (21) associated with it, into which the locking pin (33) for locking the clamping jaws (21) engages with the clamping finger (11). The locking pin (33) should be arranged in the bore (32) so that it can be displaced against the force of a compression spring (35)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The power chuck (1) has a body arranged in a fodder (2) and slidingly led in an axial piston (5) and having two or more fingers span (11) and connected by means of a controller (13) being twistable on a limited forage in the body (2). Clamping jaws (21) are provided each having a notch, or connected via a bayonet (41) with the clamping fingers (11).