Rotatable Chuck Jaw Arrangement for Rapid Workpiece Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chuck-related arrangements require complex and time-consuming processes to change or position chuck jaw units, limiting flexibility and accuracy in clamping and releasing workpieces of varying diameters, especially small ones, due to the need for multiple bolt loosening and manual shifting, which also requires cleaning and re-tightening.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves subdividing the chuck jaw portions into a basic inner jaw and an external rotatable jaw, with a locking unit that allows the external jaw to rotate and move radially, forming multiple clamping surfaces that can be easily connected and disconnected, enabling quick adaptation to different workpiece cross-sections without the need for extensive repositioning or cleaning, using a T-track nut system and a dovetail or salmontail shaped track for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the chuck jaw unit is designed as a single integrated component, then the structure is simple and robust, but the process to change or reposition the jaw for different workpiece diameters is complex and time-consuming requiring multiple bolt loosening, manual shifting, and re-tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The chuck jaw unit is divided into two main segments: a basic inner jaw portion and an external rotatable jaw portion. This segmentation allows the external jaw to be independently rotated and positioned around the basic jaw, enabling quick adaptation to different workpiece diameters without completely disassembling the jaw unit. The segmented design resolves the contradiction by maintaining structural simplicity while dramatically improving jaw replacement speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The external jaw portion is designed to be rotatable relative to the basic jaw portion, introducing dynamic adjustability to the otherwise static jaw structure. This rotational capability allows the jaw to be quickly repositioned for different workpiece sizes, transforming a static integrated component into a dynamically adjustable assembly that maintains simplicity while enhancing productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the chuck jaw is designed with multiple clamping surfaces for different workpiece sizes, then the adaptability increases, but the device complexity and assembly requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The basic jaw portion serves multiple functions: it provides a stable mounting interface with the chuck body, acts as a rotational support for the external jaw, and contributes its own clamping surface. The external jaw portion also provides multiple clamping surfaces through rotation. This multi-functionality allows a single jaw assembly to accommodate various workpiece sizes and geometries without increasing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The external jaw portion is designed to rotate around and partially envelop the basic jaw portion, creating a nested configuration. This nesting allows multiple clamping surfaces to be accessed through rotation rather than requiring separate jaw units, reducing device complexity while maintaining high adaptability for different workpiece sizes.
3Productivity
If the external jaw portion is made rotatable to enable quick repositioning, then the operation speed improves, but the reliability of the connection between jaw portions may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit is pre-configured with engagement features that automatically lock the external jaw portion to the basic jaw portion when the external jaw is rotated into position. This preliminary action of providing pre-positioned locking mechanisms ensures that the rotational movement for quick repositioning does not compromise connection reliability, as the locking unit secures the joint after rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the external jaw portion and the basic jaw portion. It mediates the connection by providing a secure locking interface that maintains reliability during and after rotation, ensuring that the rotational capability for fast repositioning does not undermine the structural integrity of the jaw connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A chuck-related arrangement having a main portion and chuck jaw portions coordinated with the main portion with associated clamping arrangements, wherein one surface of the main portion is provided with a plurality of tracks adapted to displaceably carry chuck jaw portions. Each one of, and/or a chosen number of, clamping arrangements, are individually to be secured to its element solidly secured to its basic chuck jaw portion exposing a rotational cooperation with an external chuck jaw portion over a central axis of rotation. Two or more of the external chuck jaw portions and their peripheral surfaces are formed as one or more recesses in order to cooperate opposed recesses to form clamping surfaces for a work piece and/or formed as one or more, the recesses intermediately oriented, radially extending elevations, causing cooperative elevations after a rotation to form direct clamping surfaces towards the work piece.