Quick-Release Cutting Tool Retainer With Biased Pin

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutting tool replacement methods in industrial cutting machines are inefficient, requiring manual operation that halts production, poses safety risks, and necessitates the use of tools like screwdrivers and wrenches, leading to potential misalignment and increased downtime.

Innovation Solution

A mechanism featuring a quick-release device with a biased pin and tapered mating surfaces ensures accurate and secure attachment of cutting tools, allowing for rapid tool changes with minimal disruption, eliminating the need for additional tools and reducing operator risk.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual tool replacement is used, then the cutting tool can be changed, but production is halted and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoiddowntime for tool replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting tool is pre-mounted on a holder that can be quickly attached to the mount. The holder is prepared in advance with the cutting tool secured, allowing for rapid replacement without manual installation steps during the replacement process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The tool retention system is divided into separate components: a mount fixed to the machine, a holder containing the cutting tool, and a quick-release mechanism. This segmentation allows the holder with the tool to be replaced as a single unit, minimizing downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If manual tool replacement is used, then the cutting tool can be changed, but safety risks increase for operators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool replacement capabilityVSAvoidoccupational safety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows the cutting tool to be mounted on the holder and the holder to be attached to the mount through simple, tool-free operations that can be performed by the operator without handling sharp tools or requiring additional tools, reducing safety risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If traditional retention devices are used, then the cutting tool can be secured, but additional tools are required for attachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool retention securityVSAvoidtool-free attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holder and mount are designed with self-aligning features and a simple release mechanism that allows the operator to attach and detach the holder without requiring screwdrivers, wrenches, or other additional tools, while maintaining secure retention during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If manual tool mounting is used, then the cutting tool can be attached, but alignment accuracy is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual mounting simplicityVSAvoidcutting tool alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The holder and mount feature asymmetric tapered mating surfaces that guide the holder into the correct orientation during attachment. The tapered geometry ensures proper alignment is achieved automatically as the holder is pressed onto the mount, preventing misalignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment features are pre-configured on the holder and mount surfaces. The tapered geometry and mating surfaces are prepared in advance to automatically guide and align the holder with the mount during the attachment process, ensuring accuracy without requiring manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary 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

The solution enables rapid cutting tool replacement with minimal downtime, ensuring accurate alignment and reducing occupational hazards, thereby enhancing productivity and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a spring for applying a biasing force to the holder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

tapered surfaces on the mount and holder that mate together

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3077144B1Device for retaining cutting tools in machines

Publication Date: 2020.02.05 ROSJOH

Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to the field of industrial cutting machines and cutting tools therefore. In one particular aspect the present invention relates to a method and system for quickly changing cutting tools in computer controlled cutting machines, in a first aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a mechanism for retaining a cutting tool of a cutting machine, the mechanism having a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to a cutting surface, the mechanism comprising a mount associated with the cutting machine, a holder for a cutting tool, a retaining device for removably attaching the holder to the mount, wherein the retaining device is adapted to bias the holder in the direction of the longitudinal axis.