Rotatable Press Tool Holder With Mechanical Lockout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Press machines used for plastically deforming workpieces, such as pipe connections, face safety risks due to the potential for incorrect tool head insertion, which can lead to machine damage and user injury, as existing solutions do not adequately ensure correct tool head alignment before activation.
Innovation Solution
A press machine equipped with a mechanical securing element and actuating element that securely holds the tool head in place, preventing the machine from being actuated unless the tool head is correctly inserted, utilizing a rotatable tool holder and sensor system to ensure safety without the need for fixed wiring, allowing for 360° rotation and increased flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical securing element is added to ensure correct tool head insertion, then safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is moved into the closed position before the actuating element is triggered, ensuring the tool head is correctly secured in advance before the pressing operation begins. This preliminary action prevents incorrect operation and ensures safety before the main function is activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element acts as an intermediary mechanical component between the tool head insertion and the actuating element trigger. It mediates the connection by physically blocking the actuating element until the tool head is properly positioned, providing a simple yet effective safety mechanism without complex electronic systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tool holder is made rotatable for flexible orientation, then adaptability is improved, but signal line reliability deteriorates due to rotation-induced damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element and actuating element mechanism is extracted from the rotating tool holder and placed in the stationary housing. This separation allows the tool holder to rotate freely for adaptable positioning while the safety mechanism remains fixed, eliminating the risk of signal line damage from rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The press machine is segmented into rotating and stationary functional zones. The tool holder with the tool head forms a rotating segment for flexibility, while the securing element and actuating element form a stationary segment that ensures safety. This segmentation allows each part to perform its function optimally without compromising the other.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a press machine (10) for plastically deforming a workpiece, comprising a housing (12) and an electric motor (18) for actuating the press machine; a tool holder (30) which is provided on the housing (12) for receiving an interchangeable tool head (50); a mechanical locking element (40) which is movably arranged from an open position, in which a tool head (50) can be inserted into the tool holder (30), to a closed position, in which the tool head (50) is secured in the tool holder (30); and a mechanical actuating element (60) which can interact with the locking element (40) in order to release the press machine for a pressing operation.