Tapered Locking Collar for Work Support Pin Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work supports in manufacturing processes lack an effective mechanism to securely fix the position of support pins relative to parts during machining operations, leading to potential errors and inaccuracies in shaping the parts.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical lock system comprising a support pin, a locking collar with tapered surfaces, and a feedback system that includes a torque sensor and controller to ensure precise positioning and locking of the support pin, allowing it to remain stationary relative to the mounting plate, thereby minimizing errors during machining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a mechanical lock system with tapered surfaces is used to secure the support pin, then the positioning accuracy and stability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking collar is disposed inside the base, with the first collar portion and second collar portion nested within the base structure. The support pin passes through the locking collar which is itself contained within the base, creating a nested arrangement that achieves precise positioning without adding external complexity to the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism utilizes tapered surfaces (curved/angled surfaces) on both the first collar portion and second collar portion. These tapered surfaces create a conical geometry that provides mechanical advantage for locking the support pin in precise positions, transforming rotational motion into linear positioning with high accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If the support pin is made movable relative to the base, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability during machining deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support pin is designed to be movable relative to the base through the locking collar mechanism. The first collar portion allows the support pin to move along the pin axis for positioning adjustments, while the second collar portion can be moved to lock the support pin in place. This dynamic design enables both ease of operation for positioning and stability during machining when locked.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the locking collar have different functions: the first collar portion provides a tapered outer surface for engagement and positioning, while the second collar portion provides an inner tapered surface for locking. This differentiation of local qualities within the locking collar enables both movability for adjustment and stability for locking without requiring a completely different mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A work support includes a mounting plate and a mechanical lock coupled to the mounting plate. The mechanical lock includes a base coupled to the mounting plate and a support pin. The support pin is movably coupled to the base. As such, the support pin can move relative to the base. The work support further includes a locking collar at least partly disposed inside the base. The locking collar surrounds the support pin and includes a first collar portion disposed around the support pin. The first collar portion has an outer tapered surface facing away from the support pin. The locking collar further includes a second collar portion disposed around the support pin. The second collar portion has an inner tapered surface facing toward the support pin and can move relative to the first collar between an unlocked position and a locked position.