Rotating Tool Locking Assembly for Fast Automated Tool Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial machines face difficulties in quickly and efficiently exchanging tools of different sizes or functions, leading to significant labor costs and wasted manufacturing time, especially when the process needs to be automated.
Innovation Solution
A tool attachment assembly that includes a tool main body, an assembly base portion, and a tool attachment unit, which can rotate between secured and unsecured positions for easy tool exchange, utilizing protruding portions for secure attachment and detachment, and an attachment actuator for automated positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional tool attachment methods are used, then tools can be securely held during operation, but tool exchange takes significant time and requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The tool attachment unit is designed to rotate between different positions (secured and unsecured) to dynamically change the attachment state. This rotational movement allows quick transition between tool holding and tool release states, enabling rapid tool exchange without manual intervention while maintaining secure holding during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment actuator automatically rotates the tool attachment unit to the unsecured position when powered, enabling self-service tool exchange. The system performs the tool release operation autonomously without requiring manual intervention, significantly reducing tool exchange time and improving productivity.
2Reliability
If tools are securely locked in place, then operational reliability is maintained, but tool exchange becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the tool main body, the tool attachment unit with protruding portions, and the attachment actuator. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function (holding, locking, rotating) independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining secure attachment and enabling easy exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool attachment unit acts as an intermediary between the tool main body and the assembly base portion. It provides the protruding portions that engage with the assembly base, creating a secure connection, while also being the component that rotates to enable tool exchange. This intermediary structure simplifies the attachment mechanism by concentrating the locking and release functions in a single rotatable component.
3Ease of operation
If manual tool exchange is used, then simple mechanisms can be employed, but labor costs and manufacturing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical operation of tool exchange is replaced with an automated actuator system. The attachment actuator uses powered rotation to move the tool attachment unit between secured and unsecured positions, substituting manual labor with automated mechanical action. This increases manufacturing efficiency and reduces labor costs while maintaining ease of operation through automatic control.
Data Source
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AI summary
An assembly for removably securing a tool to an industrial machine. The assembly includes an assembly base portion that may be removably secured to the industrial machine. A tool main body may be integrated with the assembly base portion. A tool attachment unit is provided to transition the assembly between a secured configuration and an unsecured configuration. The tool main body is securely fixed to the assembly base portion in the secure configuration. The tool main body is separable from the assembly base portion in the unsecured configuration. The assembly base portion and the tool attachment unit are configured to accommodate a variety of different tool main bodies according to a desired application.