Segmented Tool Holder with Independent Camming Ramps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool holders with spring-urged balls for radial stabilization lack precision and independence, limiting their ability to securely hold tools with imprecise configurations, resulting in radial and axial play.
Innovation Solution
A holder design featuring two separate and independent radial holdings with distinct camming ramps and springs, allowing for precise and simultaneous radial and axial stabilization of tools, where each set of balls operates independently to prevent movement, and a single motion releases the tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If two axially spaced apart and spring urged balls are used for stabilizing the tool, then the tool can be held radially stable, but the holding precision is limited because both balls move only in unison and cannot adapt to independent ball movement
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into two independent ball holding mechanisms: a first ball held by a first camming ramp and first spring, and a second ball held by a second camming ramp and second spring. This segmentation allows each ball to operate independently, adapting to imprecise tool configurations and eliminating radial and axial play, thereby achieving precise tool holding.
2Reliability
If the holding balls act only in unison, then the construction is simple, but the holding effort on the tool is limited and precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The holding mechanism is segmented into two independent systems: a first holding ball with its own camming ramp and spring, and a second holding ball with its own camming ramp and spring. This allows each ball to exert full independent holding effort on the tool, doubling the effective holding capability while maintaining operational simplicity through the common release sleeve.
3Manufacturing precision
If radial and axial play are present due to imprecise tool configuration, then the holder must accommodate variations, but this reduces holding accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
By providing two independently actuated holding balls positioned at different locations, the system can accommodate tool variations in both radial and axial directions. Each ball independently adjusts to the tool's imprecise configuration, ensuring accurate holding despite manufacturing tolerances in the tool itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding balls are designed to be dynamically adjustable through the camming ramps and springs, allowing them to move independently to adapt to the tool's configuration. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the holder to maintain high precision even when holding tools with imprecise configurations.
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 holder achieves precise and efficient tool retention without new user operations, eliminating radial and axial play, ensuring optimal stability and ease of tool insertion and removal.
Implementation Method 1
a first compression spring piloted on the holder body and abutting the first camming ramp to urge the first camming ramp axially such that the first ball is forced radially inwardly against the tool
Implementation Method 2
the first ball is forced radially inwardly against the tool
Implementation Method 3
a first camming ramp on the holder body over which the first ball is disposed such that axial motion of the first camming ramp forces the first ball radially inwardly against the tool
Data Source
AI summary
A holder for replaceable tools, including a body with an axial opening extending along an axis and for releasably receiving the tools and having two radial openings with balls therein extending into the axial opening. Two ramps are movable on the body and they engage the balls for forcing the balls onto the tool being held in the body and thereby radially and axially stabilize the tool in the body. Two separate springs engage the ramps for movement of the ramps separate from each other.