Resilient-Finger Collet Assembly for Automated Workpiece Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional workpiece setup and positioning methods in milling machines are time-consuming and labor-intensive, leading to increased costs due to manual alignment and mounting processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and assembly for automatically mounting a workpiece to a milling machine using a collet with resilient fingers that can be clamped and indexed, allowing for robotic loading and precise alignment, and a chuck with clamping jaws to apply additional clamping force, enhancing the efficiency of the workpiece mounting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual workpiece setup and positioning methods are used, then operators can place and align each workpiece within the chuck, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The collet is pre-configured with resilient fingers in a specific geometry designed to automatically align with and grip the workpiece. The fingers are preliminarily positioned to deflect upon contact with the workpiece, enabling automatic centering and clamping without manual alignment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient fingers of the collet automatically deflect and clamp the workpiece when the collet is inserted into the chuck. The system self-adjusts through the elastic deformation of the fingers, which naturally center on the workpiece and apply clamping force without requiring operator intervention for alignment or positioning.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment methods are used, then workpieces can be positioned in the chuck, but the process requires significant labor and increases operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient fingers automatically perform the alignment function through their elastic properties. When the collet is inserted into the chuck, the fingers deflect and self-center on the workpiece, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations while maintaining precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient fingers change their physical state from a relaxed position to a deflected clamping position through elastic deformation. This parameter change in the fingers' geometry enables automatic adaptation to the workpiece dimensions and automatic centering, achieving precise alignment without manual intervention.
3Reliability
If conventional chucks are used, then workpieces can be held during machining, but the clamping mechanism requires manual operation and reduces automation capability
Solution Approach 1:
The collet with resilient fingers automatically clamps the workpiece through elastic deformation when inserted into the chuck. The fingers self-adjust and secure the workpiece without requiring manual operation of the chuck mechanism, enabling automated loading while maintaining reliable workpiece holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient fingers transition from a static rigid structure to a dynamic elastic element that can deflect and adapt to the workpiece. This dynamic behavior allows the collet to automatically grip and secure the workpiece during automated insertion, providing reliable holding without manual intervention.
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 significantly reduces the time and labor required for workpiece setup, improves precision, and enhances the overall efficiency of the milling process by enabling automated loading and secure mounting of workpieces, thereby reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a collet with resilient fingers that can be clamped and indexed
Data Source
AI summary
A milling machine can include a chuck and at least one tool. The chuck is rotatable about a first rotational axis and has clamping jaws. The at least one tool is movable relative to the first rotational axis. An assembly for the milling machine includes a workpiece and a collet. The collet includes fingers affixing the collet to the workpiece. The collet also includes a chuck mount receivable within the chuck. The chuck is rotatable about a first rotational axis and has clamping jaws. The at least one tool is movable relative to the first rotational axis. An assembly for the milling machine includes a workpiece and a collet. The collet includes fingers affixing the collet to the workpiece. The collet also includes a chuck mount receivable within the chuck.