Quick-Change Clamping Unit With Internal Fluid Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping units are limited in delivering high-pressure fluid (>80 bar) to toolholders and often require a larger machine footprint for secure connections, increasing downtime and operator effort.
Innovation Solution
A quick-change clamping unit with a drawbar featuring a fluid transport channel and pipe, allowing high-pressure fluid to be directly provided to the toolholder, utilizing a spring-like member for actuation between locked and release positions, and a fluid transport adapter for efficient fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If prior clamping units are used to deliver fluid to cutting edge, then fluid delivery is possible, but pressure is limited to about 80 bar or less
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid transport pipe is nested within the drawbar, with the pipe positioned inside the hollow cylindrical drawbar structure. This allows the fluid delivery system to be integrated within the existing clamping mechanism without adding external complexity, enabling high-pressure fluid delivery (>80 bar) through the nested pipe while maintaining a compact overall structure.
2Reliability
If architecture is increased to maintain secure connection with minimal tool change downtime, then connection security is improved, but machine footprint is greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into the drawbar component: it serves as both the clamping actuator and the fluid transport conduit. The hollow drawbar structure combines the mechanical clamping function with the fluid delivery function, eliminating the need for separate external fluid lines and reducing the overall machine footprint while maintaining secure tool holder connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawbar is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs mechanical clamping and fluid transport. This universal component replaces what would traditionally require separate systems, reducing the machine footprint while maintaining the reliability of tool holder connections and enabling quick tool changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tool diameter increases, then tool capacity is improved, but machine footprint is greatly increased due to architecture requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow drawbar structure provides dynamic adaptability to accommodate different tool diameters while maintaining a compact footprint. The internal fluid pipe can be configured to serve various tool sizes, and the integrated design allows the system to scale with tool capacity requirements without proportionally increasing the machine footprint.
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 secure high-pressure fluid delivery to toolholders, reducing downtime and operator effort while maintaining a compact machine footprint, effectively addressing the limitations of prior clamping units.
Implementation Method 1
At least one spring-like member is positioned around the outer surface of the drawbar... the spring-like member being configured to provide a biasing force against the end plate to place the drawbar in the locked position or the unlocked position
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping unit includes a drawbar having an interior surface defining a fluid transport channel. A fluid transport pipe is at least partially disposed within the interior of the drawbar and is in fluid communication with a fluid transport adapter and a fluid transport channel to enable high pressure fluid to be provided directly to a toolholder. The clamping unit further comprises at least one spring-like member positioned around the outer surface of the drawbar to provide a biasing force against an end plate. The drawbar is movable along a longitudinal axis between a locked position and a tool release position by applying and not applying hydraulic pressure against the end plate, thereby providing a quick-change feature of the invention.