Segmented Sealed Collet for Coolant Leak Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collets require sealants in their slots to prevent coolant from flowing through, which is inconvenient, and sealed collets only allow coolant to flow through the tool, not the collet and nut.
Innovation Solution
A collet design with divided slots that prevent coolant from flowing through, combined with coolant channels between the slots to direct coolant to the tool, ensuring no leakage while allowing coolant to reach the cutting tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If slots are filled with rubber bonding compound to seal the collet, then coolant flow through the collet is prevented, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The slot is divided into two separate segments: an upper slot portion and a lower slot portion, separated by a web. This segmentation prevents coolant from flowing continuously through the collet while maintaining the structural integrity and flexibility of the collet fingers, eliminating the need for rubber bonding compound.
2Reliability
If slots are filled with sealant to prevent coolant leakage, then sealing is achieved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to additional bonding steps
Solution Approach 1:
The slot is segmented into upper and lower portions separated by a web, creating a natural barrier to coolant flow. This design achieves sealing through geometric configuration alone, eliminating the need for additional sealant application steps and simplifying the manufacturing process.
3Ease of operation
If sealed collet design is implemented without bondant, then ease of operation improves by allowing coolant flow, but coolant leakage through the collet occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The web is positioned specifically in the intermediary zone where it can selectively block coolant flow through the slots while allowing coolant to pass through dedicated coolant holes. This local structural feature creates different flow characteristics in different regions of the collet.
Solution Approach 2:
The web acts as an intermediary structure between the upper and lower slot portions, serving as a barrier to coolant flow in the slots while allowing coolant to be directed through separate coolant holes to the cutting tool.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional collet design is used without divided slots, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but coolant flows through the collet and nut causing leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The slot is divided into upper and lower portions separated by a web, creating a natural barrier that prevents coolant from flowing through the collet. This segmentation is achieved through standard machining operations without requiring additional components or complex assembly steps.
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 solution provides a sealed collet that maintains grip without sealants, allowing coolant to reach the tool effectively, enhancing operational efficiency and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The radial compression that the lock nut applies to the distal end of the collet body flexes the body inwardly, creating a gripping force between the inner diameter of the collet body and a tool shank inserted therein.
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of coolant channels disposed within the collet between the plurality of longitudinally extending slots and extending entirely from the axially rearward end to the axially forward end of the collet
Data Source
AI summary
A collet includes an axially rearward end and an axially forward end; a nose portion; a body portion having an outer surface and an inner surface for engaging a shank of a tool; a plurality of slots extending from the inner surface to the outer surface; and a plurality of coolant channels disposed within the collet between the plurality of longitudinally extending slots and extending entirely from the axially rearward end to the axially forward end of the collet. Slots include a first slot extending from the axial forward end to within an intermediary zone, a second slot extending from the axial rearward end to at least the tool holder engagement zone such that the second slot does not intersect the first slot, and a third slot from within the tool engagement zone to within the intermediary zone such that the third slot circumferentially overlaps the first and second slots.