Tangential Thread Rolling Head Asymmetric Claw Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tangential thread rolling heads face issues with incorrect assembly of thread rolls, leading to potential damage during machining due to the lack of a reliable method to ensure each thread roll is inserted into the correct rolling head arm, resulting in increased assembly effort and risk of misalignment.

Innovation Solution

The design of the thread rolls and pinions features unique claw configurations that allow interaction only with their assigned pinion, ensuring each thread roll can be inserted into the correct rolling head arm in a single defined rotational position, preventing incorrect assembly through complementary claw designs and stop surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If thread rolls are marked to indicate assignment to specific rolling head arms, then incorrect assembly can be prevented, but assembly effort and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of incorrect assemblyVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by designing the claws of thread rolls and pinions with non-symmetric geometries that are complementary to each other. Each thread roll has claws with specific shapes that only match the corresponding pinion's claw geometry, creating an asymmetric fit that prevents incorrect assembly without requiring additional markings or complex procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If thread rolls are designed with unique claw configurations for each pinion, then unambiguous assignment is ensured, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunambiguous assignmentVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making only the claw regions of the thread rolls and pinions unique and differentiated, while the rest of the components can be manufactured using standard processes. The asymmetric claw geometries are localized features that provide the necessary identification and matching functionality without requiring the entire components to be custom-manufactured.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If the claws of thread rolls and pinions are designed to interact in a single defined rotational position, then correct alignment is ensured, but the design complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational alignment precisionVSAvoidclaw design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses asymmetric claw geometries where the shape, size, and orientation of claws on thread rolls are specifically designed to complement only the corresponding pinion's claws in a single rotational position. This asymmetric design inherently enforces correct rotational alignment when the components are assembled, as any other rotational position would result in mismatched claw geometries that prevent proper engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP3208010B1Tangential thread rolling head
Publication Date: 2018.08.01 LMT FETTE WERKZEUGTECHN
  • EP3208010B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3208010B1 patent drawingFigure 3~7
  • EP3208010B1 patent drawingFigure 8~11

AI summary

The invention relates to a tangential thread rolling head comprising two fork-like rolling head arms each rotatably coupled with a thread roll by an axle. The thread rolls respectively engage with a pinion and can be pushed laterally into an assembled position into the rolling head arms before installation of axles, in which one of the axles can be pushed into a bearing bore hole of the thread rolls. The thread rolls and the pinions have interacting catches that are configured such that each of the thread rolls can only be pushed laterally into the assembled position in a single defined rotary position.