Snap-Fit Tool Clamping for Miniaturized Torque Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool clamping systems in machine tools face challenges in miniaturization while maintaining concentricity and torque transmission, and are complex for automated tool changes.
Innovation Solution
A snap-fit connection between metallic shaft sections using a locking pin and locking sleeve, facilitated by a pivoting movement, achieves concentricity and torque transmission without separate clamping devices, allowing automated connection and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a complex clamping mechanism with separate drive and rotating components is used, then torque transmission and concentricity are maintained, but miniaturization becomes difficult and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin and locking sleeve are integrated directly into the shaft sections themselves, merging the clamping function with the shaft structure. This eliminates separate clamping devices and rotating components, enabling miniaturization while maintaining torque transmission capability through the elastic snap-fit connection between the locking elements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary rotating components and separate clamping devices from the system. Only the essential locking pin and locking sleeve remain, which are integrated into the shaft sections. This reduction of components directly enables miniaturization while simplifying the overall device structure
2Extent of automation
If additional drives are added for automated tool changes, then automation capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin and locking sleeve are designed to automatically engage and disengage through their elastic snap-fit connection. The locking elements self-lock when the shaft sections are joined and self-release when separated, eliminating the need for additional drives or complex actuation mechanisms for automated tool changes
3Manufacturing precision
If metallic shaft sections with elastic properties are used for snap-fit connection, then miniaturization is enabled and concentricity is improved, but torque transmission capability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin and locking sleeve are designed with precise curved surfaces that engage in a snap-fit connection. The elastic deformation of these curved surfaces during engagement creates a positive locking action that maintains high concentricity while transmitting torque through the elastic-re塑性 deformation cycle of the locking elements
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 enables miniaturized tool clamping with high concentricity and torque transmission, simplifying automation by eliminating the need for additional drives and ensuring reliable, vibration-resistant connections.
Implementation Method 1
at least one detent (9a-c) is provided on the circumference of the locking pin (5), which, during the locking pivot, engages at least one corresponding counter-detent (10a-c) on the locking sleeve (6) with elastic deformation of the locking pin (5) and/or locking sleeve (6)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a tool clamping system (2) having two metal shaft portions (3, 4), wherein the first shaft portion (3) has a locking pin (5) at its end and the second shaft portion (4) has a locking sleeve (6) at its end, wherein, in order to produce a releasable drive-related connection, the first shaft portion (3) is able to be introduced coaxially with its locking pin (5) into the locking sleeve (6) of the second shaft portion (4), and the two shaft portions (3, 4) are pivotable with respect to one another into a locking pivoted position by way of a locking pivoting movement (7) about a common geometric longitudinal axis (8), wherein at least one latching formation (9a-c) arranged on the circumference of the locking pin (5), preferably at least three latching formations (9a-c) distributed around the circumference of the locking pin (5), snaps or snap over at least one corresponding mating latching formation (10a-c) on the locking sleeve (6), preferably over at least three corresponding mating latching formations (10a-c) on the locking sleeve (6), during the locking pivoting movement, with elastic deformation of the locking pin (5) and/or locking sleeve (6).