Tool Holder Shank Insert for Quick Change and Anti-Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tool holder systems require specific motorized modules for different manufacturers' shanks, leading to high costs and limited flexibility in tool usage, as they often lack a means of engagement between the truncated cone shank and the rotating shaft housing.

Innovation Solution

A device with a truncated cone shaped tool holder shank featuring a milling cut on its rear face to accommodate a removable insert, allowing dual use with or without the insert for orientation and prevention of rotation, and enabling compatibility with tool shanks from various manufacturers using an ER-type connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If specific motorized modules are used for different manufacturers' shanks, then compatibility with specific shanks is ensured, but cost increases and flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different shanksVSAvoidneed for multiple motorized modules
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single motorized module with a standardized housing that can accommodate shanks from different manufacturers through the use of adapter inserts. The housing is designed with a universal interface that works with various shank types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized motorized modules and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by separating the motorized module into two distinct components: a universal housing and removable adapter inserts. The housing contains the motor and drive mechanism, while the adapter inserts are separate components that can be quickly exchanged to match different shank types. This segmentation allows the expensive motorized portion to be reused while only the simpler adapter portion needs to be changed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional coupling without engagement means is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but reliability and resistance during operation decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of shank designVSAvoidconnection stability during machining
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing adapter inserts as a mediating component between the motorized module housing and the tool holder shank. These inserts provide the necessary engagement features (such as keyways, flats, or other mechanical interfaces) that ensure reliable power transmission and prevent rotation during machining operations, while keeping the original shank design simple and easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If quick change capability is implemented, then tool replacement speed increases, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool replacement speedVSAvoidquick change mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by designing the adapter insert system to be easily reconfigurable during operation. The inserts can be quickly removed and replaced based on the current machining requirements, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to different tool holder types without requiring complex automated change mechanisms. This manual but rapid exchange system achieves quick change capability while minimizing added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3766615A1A device for the quick change of tool holder adapters
Publication Date: 2021.01.20 ALGRA SPA
  • EP3766615A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3766615A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3766615A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A device (10) for the quick change of tool holder adapters, especially for use on CNC machine tools such as multispindle or single-spindle lathes, turning and milling centres, transfer machine tools, for orienting and clamping the different tool holder shanks in the appropriate seats of the rotating and non-rotating shafts present in the mechanical bodies such as motorised or non-motorised tool holders, multiple or single, comprising a tool holder shank (12) of truncated-cone shape designed to fit, starting from its smaller diameter rear part, into a complementary housing made in the rotating shaft (16) of a motorised module. On the smaller diameter rear face of said tool holder shank (12) a milling cut (22) is made configured to accommodate at least one removable insert (24) which protrudes partly frontally in the direction of a recess (32) made on the back wall (18) of the tapered seat of the rotating shaft (16) of said motorised module.