Switching-Sleeve Tool Holder for Multi-Shank Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tool holders require frequent replacement when switching between tools from different manufacturers due to varying tool shank diameters and locking element receptacle designs, leading to significant setup expenditure and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A tool holder with an adjustably mounted switching sleeve that allows for radial adjustment of locking elements between clamping and release positions, enabling the use of tools with differently positioned locking element receptacles using a single holder, and incorporating a setting sleeve for axial adjustment and a retainer for automatic locking, facilitating easy handling and secure clamping of various tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single tool holder is used to accommodate tools from different manufacturers with different locking element receptacle positions, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple locking elements and a switching mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking elements are divided into two subsets: a first subset that remains deactivated and a second subset that is activated by the switching sleeve. This segmentation allows the same physical locking elements to serve different functional purposes depending on the switching position, enabling adaptability without proportionally increasing the number of locking elements needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The switching sleeve dynamically changes the operational state of the locking elements by rotating between first and second positions. This dynamic switching mechanism allows the tool holder to adapt to different tool types (with different locking element receptacle positions) without requiring physical reconfiguration or multiple different tool holders.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple locking elements are provided to accommodate different tool types, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the increased number of elements that need to be managed

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The switching sleeve acts as an intermediary mechanism that simplifies the operation of multiple locking elements. Instead of manually adjusting each locking element individually, the user simply rotates the switching sleeve, which automatically activates the appropriate subset of locking elements for the current tool type, thereby maintaining ease of operation despite having multiple locking elements available.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The switching mechanism automatically manages the activation and deactivation of locking element subsets based on the switching sleeve position. The system self-regulates which locking elements are operational without requiring user intervention to individually configure each locking element, reducing operational complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3689515B1Tool holder for a machine tool
Publication Date: 2023.06.14 C & E FEIN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3689515B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3689515B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3689515B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The Invention relates to a tool holder (1) for a machine tool, in particular for a core drilling machine, having a hollow shaft (2) which has, at one end for coupling to the drive of the machine tool, a connector (3) and, at the other end, a receiving opening (4) with a plurality of openings (5) in which locking elements (6) are accommodated which are radially adjustable between a clamping position and an release position for securing a tool accommodated in the receiving opening (4). A switching sleeve (7) is provided, which is adjustably mounted on the hollow shaft (2) between a first switching position and a second switching position, a first subset of the locking elements (6) being provided in the first switching position for locking the tool in the receiving opening (4), and a second subset of the locking elements (6) being provided in the second switching position for locking the tool in the receiving opening (4), while the adjustment of the respective remaining locking elements (6) is deactivated.