Self-Centering Key Vice for Precision Multi-Orientation Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key machining apparatuses struggle to meet extremely rigid dimensional and shape tolerances, often requiring specific insertion orientations, limiting their versatility and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A self-centring apparatus with two angled jaws and a milling cutter, capable of precise positioning and machining, allows for the machining of keys with stringent tolerances by gripping the key at multiple points and using a feeler to activate shaping, ensuring accurate machining regardless of insertion orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a key is machined using a vertical reference plane with numeric control machine tools, then the machining process is automated and efficient, but the dimensional and shape tolerances cannot meet extremely rigid requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional numeric control machine tool system with a self-centering vice mechanism that uses mechanical geometry (conical surface and positioning faces) to automatically establish precise reference planes during key insertion. This mechanical self-centering system eliminates the limitations of vertical reference plane machining while maintaining automation through the feeler-activated shaping process.
Solution Approach 2:
The key itself performs the positioning function by being inserted into the self-centering vice, where its own geometry interacts with the conical surface and positioning faces to automatically establish the correct orientation and reference planes. The feeler mechanism then automatically detects insertion and activates the shaping process, making the system self-sufficient without requiring external positioning operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If a key is designed to work only in a specific insertion orientation, then precise machining can be achieved, but the key loses versatility and cannot function in rotated orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning faces on the vice jaws that are specifically configured to recognize and position the key in multiple orientations. The asymmetric geometry of these faces, combined with the conical self-centering surface, allows the key to be accurately positioned whether inserted in the original or 180° rotated orientation, thereby achieving both precision and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-centering vice mechanism is designed with universal positioning capabilities that can accommodate and precisely machine keys regardless of their insertion orientation. The combination of the conical self-centering surface, asymmetric positioning faces, and feeler-activated shaping creates a multi-functional system that handles both precision requirements and orientation flexibility simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If a self-centering vice with conical surface is used to position the key, then automatic centering and precise positioning are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the vice structure: the conical self-centering surface combines with asymmetric positioning faces and tab elements to create an integrated positioning and clamping mechanism. The feeler mechanism is also integrated into the vice structure, eliminating the need for separate positioning devices and reducing overall system complexity despite the enhanced positioning capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for machining a key comprising: i) a self-centring vice (2) for the key in turn comprising a first jaw (21) and a second jaw (22) which cooperate to hold the key in position; ii) a means (3) for shaping the profile of the key. The first jaw (21) comprises a first and a second face (211, 212) for positioning the key which respectively identify a first and a second reciprocally transverse imaginary plane; the second jaw (22) comprising a first and a second face (221, 222) for positioning the key which respectively identify a third and a fourth reciprocally transverse imaginary plane. The first and second jaws (21, 22) can be moved simultaneously nearer along a first direction (4) which forms a non-zero acute angle with the first, second, third and fourth imaginary planes.