Sealed Collet Jaw Structure for Chip-Free Clamping Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Collets used in machining processes, especially in sliding head lathes, face functional restrictions due to chips getting stuck in gaps and contact surfaces, leading to reduced clamping forces, wear, and loss of concentricity.

Innovation Solution

Integration of an elastic seal as a hollow cylinder within the existing recesses of the clamping jaws to prevent chip entry, allowing existing springs to function without impairment and maintaining the freedom of movement between jaws.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If machining is performed in sliding head lathes with conventional collets, then production efficiency is maintained, but chips accumulate in gaps and contact surfaces causing functional restrictions and reduced clamping forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining efficiencyVSAvoidclamping force stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A seal element is introduced as an intermediary component between adjacent clamping jaws. This seal prevents chips from entering the gaps between jaws while allowing the jaws to move relative to each other. The seal acts as a barrier that maintains the functional integrity of the collet during machining operations in sliding head lathes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If seals are added to prevent chip entry, then clamping force stability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping force stabilityVSAvoidcollet structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seal element is designed to combine multiple functions: it seals the gap between clamping jaws, provides a mounting structure for the spring through integrated recesses, and maintains concentricity. By merging the sealing function with the existing spring mounting structure, the patent avoids adding separate complex components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If seals are integrated into the collet structure, then protection against chip accumulation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechip accumulationVSAvoidcollet manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The seal element is designed as a separate, modular component that can be manufactured independently and then installed in the collet. This segmentation allows the seal to be produced using standard sealing component manufacturing processes, simplifying the overall manufacturing complexity compared to integrating sealing features directly into the collet body

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Duration of action of moving object

If recesses are provided in clamping jaws for spring mounting, then spring function is maintained, but chip accumulation in recesses worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespring functionalityVSAvoidchip accumulation in recesses

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The seal element serves as an intermediary that covers the recesses in the clamping jaws. This prevents chips from entering the recesses while still allowing the spring to be mounted and function properly. The seal acts as a protective barrier over the spring mounting areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 seal effectively prevents chip accumulation, maintaining clamping force and concentricity, reducing wear, and ensuring the collet's functionality even in environments with fine chip production.

Implementation Method 1

one and each covering the gap between two side surfaces of adjacent clamping jaws sealing seal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier:

Implementation Method 2

designed as a hollow cylinder accommodating the spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHollow cylinder accommodation:

Implementation Method 3

The seal is made in particular from an elastic material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 4

one spring inserted in each recess and spring-loading the adjacent clamping jaws against one another

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic resilience: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3694666B1Collet comprising a seal

Publication Date: 2022.07.27 JBS SYST

Figure 1
Figure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a collet (10) comprising a plurality of clamping jaws (20) movable relative to one another, at least one recess (22) provided in one of mutually facing side faces of adjacent clamping jaws (20), and a spring inserted into each recess (22) and supporting the adjacent clamping jaws (20) resiliently relative to one another, characterised by a seal (30) sealing the gap between two side faces of adjacent clamping jaws (20), said seal having a fastening portion (32) engaging in the at least one recess (22).