Rotor-Mounted Processing Tool Assembly for Reliable Tool Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing material processing machines face inefficiencies in cutting and reducing waste materials, particularly in the design and functionality of the processing tool assemblies, which affect the overall performance and durability of the machines.
Innovation Solution
The processing machine incorporates a rotor with processing tool assemblies that include a tool holder with a pocket structure and a tool body retention system, featuring a tool retention portion and tooth holding portion, secured by a retaining plate, which enhances the retention and replacement of waste processing tools, and a guide member to lift material for efficient cutting and grinding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tool retention systems are used in processing machines, then the structure is simpler, but the tool retention reliability and ease of replacement are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tool assembly is divided into distinct modular components: tool holder, tool body, and retaining plate. Each component serves a specific function and can be independently manufactured, inspected, and replaced. The tool holder contains a pocket structure that receives the tool body, while the retaining plate secures the tool body in place through engagement with the pocket structure, enabling reliable yet simple tool retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool retention system employs a nested structure where the tool body is received within the pocket structure of the tool holder, and the retaining plate is positioned over the tool body to secure it. The tab-and-slot mechanism creates a nested engagement system where tabs on the retaining plate insert into corresponding slots in the tool holder, providing reliable retention while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If tools are tightly secured to prevent wear, then tool retention reliability improves, but tool replacement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of the tool assembly into removable components (tool holder, tool body, retaining plate) allows the tool body to be securely retained during operation through the tab-and-slot engagement, yet quickly released by simply removing the retaining plate. This modular design enables rapid tool replacement without compromising retention reliability during cutting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab-and-slot structure is pre-configured in both the tool holder and retaining plate during manufacturing, creating a ready-to-engagement system. When tool replacement is needed, the operator only needs to remove the retaining plate, and the tab-and-slot mechanism automatically allows for quick insertion and securing of a new tool body, minimizing replacement time.
3Productivity
If processing tools continuously cut material, then productivity increases, but material accumulation on tools occurs reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The tool retention system enables periodic replacement of cutting tools through the easily removable retaining plate. As tools wear or accumulate material during continuous operation, they can be quickly replaced by removing the retaining plate and inserting a fresh tool body, restoring cutting efficiency without prolonged downtime. This periodic replacement maintains consistent tool performance throughout extended operation cycles.
4Ease of manufacture
If the tool holder structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing cost decreases, but tool retention reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The tool holder is designed as a separate, simplified component with an integrated pocket structure that receives the tool body. This segmentation allows the tool holder to be manufactured using straightforward processes without complex features, while the reliability of tool retention is achieved through the complementary tab-and-slot mechanism in the retaining plate, separating the manufacturing simplicity requirement from the retention reliability function.
Data Source
AI summary
A processing machine includes an infeed system, a processing tool assembly, and a discharge system. The processing machine includes a rotor defining an outer surface, with the processing tool assembly at least partially mounted to the rotor. The processing tool assembly includes a tool holder mounted to the outer surface of the rotor with the tool holder having a pocket structure defining an inner cavity. The processing tool assembly also includes a tool body having a tool retention portion and a tooth holding portion with the tool retention portion disposed within the inner cavity of the pocket structure. The processing tool assembly also includes a processing tool mounted to the tooth holding portion, and a retaining plate secured to the tool holder and abutting a portion of the tool body such that the tool retention portion of the tool body is retained within the pocket structure.