Synchronous Tapping Chuck With Ball-Elastomer Torque Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing synchronous tapping chucks face challenges in achieving high-quality thread cutting due to limited synchronization between machine spindle rotation and axial feed, and are complex in structure, limiting their versatility.

Innovation Solution

A tapping chuck design incorporating at least one ball for torque transmission with play in rotation and axial directions, coupled with elastomer elements for resilience, allowing flexible adaptation to feed rates and torque transmission, enabling use with various chuck systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If rigid connection is used between receiving part and intermediate part, then torque transmission is improved, but synchronization quality deteriorates due to inability to adapt to feed rate variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmissionVSAvoidsynchronization quality
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between receiving part and intermediate part is segmented into two functional elements: balls for torque transmission and elastomer elements for cushioning. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function optimally - balls provide rigid torque transmission while elastomer provides flexible adaptation to feed variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection mechanism uses a composite approach combining rigid balls with flexible elastomer material. This composite structure enables simultaneous achievement of rigid torque transmission and flexible synchronization adaptation, resolving the contradiction between strength and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Force

If elastomeric cushioning is used in axial direction, then reversal forces are reduced, but rotational precision deteriorates due to play in the connection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial forces during reversalVSAvoidrotational precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connection is segmented into balls that handle rotational precision and torque transmission, while elastomer elements handle axial force cushioning. This functional segmentation allows each component to optimize its performance without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The balls act as intermediary elements that transmit torque while being guided by the elastomer-cushioned intermediate part. This intermediary mechanism allows the elastomer to cushion axial forces without directly affecting rotational precision, as the balls maintain the rotational connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If complex structure is used to achieve synchronization, then thread cutting quality improves, but device complexity and versatility worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread cutting qualityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are merged into a single connection mechanism: torque transmission, axial cushioning, and rotational guidance are all achieved through the combined ball-elastomer arrangement. This merging eliminates the need for separate complex mechanisms for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ball-elastomer connection mechanism serves multiple purposes: it provides torque transmission, cushions axial forces, maintains rotational precision, and enables synchronization. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high thread cutting quality.

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

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 design ensures high-quality thread cutting with improved synchronization, reduced axial forces, and extended tool life, while simplifying the structure and expanding the chuck's applicability to different thread cutting scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

at least one elastomer element in a flexible manner in the axial direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a resilience in the axial direction and in the direction of rotation that is cushioned by the elastomer element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Implementation Method 3

at least one first ball for torque transmission is accommodated between the receiving part and the intermediate part with play in the direction of rotation and in the axial direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3288702B1Tap-holding chuck for synchronized thread cutting
Publication Date: 2021.08.04 OTTO BILZ WERKZEUGFABRIK GMBH & CO
  • EP3288702B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3288702B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3288702B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A tapping chuck for synchronous tapping is disclosed, having a receiving part (12) for being driven by a machine, and having a clamping means (14) for a screw tap (16), between which receiving part and clamping means there is arranged an intermediate part (18), wherein the intermediate part (18) is connected in flexible fashion to the receiving part (12) in an axial direction by way of at least one elastomer element (48), wherein at least one first ball for transmitting torque between the receiving part (12) and the intermediate part (18) is received with play in a direction of rotation and in the axial direction, and wherein at least one second ball (44) is received, movably in the radial direction, in the receiving part (12), which at least one second ball is coupled by way of the elastomer element (48) to the clamping means (14) such that flexibility, spring-cushioned by way of the elastomer element (48), in the axial direction and in the direction of rotation is realized.