Suction Driver for Cutting Edge Part and Screw Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for changing cutting edge parts in cutting tools are inefficient due to the difficulty in handling small, sharp parts with protective gloves, and the challenge of removing swarf, which can lead to machining defects and reduced efficiency, especially when manual operation is required and assisted by robots.
Innovation Solution
A part changing apparatus with a cylindrical member and driver bit that uses air suction to hold and change cutting edge parts, allowing for automated operation by attaching to a robot arm, which includes an air passage for swarf removal and suction to securely pick up the cutting edge parts and screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operation with protective gloves is used to change cutting edge parts, then operator safety is improved, but operation efficiency deteriorates due to difficulty in handling small parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated robotic system that uses a specialized end effector. The robot arm with suction-based end effector automatically grasps, removes, and installs cutting edge parts, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle small parts while wearing gloves, thus improving both safety and efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specialized end effector as an intermediary between the robot and the cutting edge part. This end effector with suction cups and positioning features facilitates reliable handling of small cutting edge parts, solving the difficulty of direct robotic manipulation while maintaining automation benefits
2Manufacturing precision
If air blowing is performed to remove swarf before part changing, then machining accuracy is improved, but work efficiency deteriorates due to additional incidental work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the swarf removal function with the part changing operation by integrating air blowing capability into the end effector. The same device that grasps and removes the cutting edge part also simultaneously blows air to remove swarf, eliminating separate incidental work steps and improving overall efficiency while maintaining machining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector is designed with multiple functions: it can grasp cutting edge parts using suction cups, remove parts mechanically, blow air to remove swarf, and position parts during installation. This multi-functional design consolidates multiple operations into a single tool, improving work efficiency without compromising machining accuracy
3Ease of operation
If magnetic force is used to attract cutting edge part for robotic handling, then ease of operation is improved, but removal difficulty worsens due to magnetic swarf adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic suction through vacuum cups in the end effector to grasp and hold the cutting edge part during robotic handling. This pneumatic approach replaces magnetic attraction, providing reliable grasping of small parts without the harmful side effect of magnetic swarf adhesion that would complicate removal
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
This solution enables efficient and automated changing of cutting edge parts, reducing the risk of operator injury and improving machining accuracy by effectively removing swarf and securely handling small parts without manual dexterity issues, while also reducing equipment costs by eliminating the need for separate handling of screws and cutting edge parts.
Implementation Method 1
A gap is provided as an air passage between an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical member and an outer peripheral surface of the driver bit
Data Source
AI summary
A cutting edge part changing apparatus for changing a cutting edge part fastened by a screw includes a cylindrical member, a cylindrical member holder that supports the cylindrical member movably along the direction of a central axis, and a driver bit that is inserted into the cylindrical member to be axially rotatable independently of the cylindrical member. A gap is provided as an air passage between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical member and the outer peripheral surface of the driver bit. Since the part to be changed can be sucked together with the screw, the efficiency of the operation of changing the part to be changed together with the screw is improved.