Tool Holding Chain Flat Portion Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tool holding and conveying chains in auto-tool changers face issues such as positional misalignment, increased part count, and reduced durability due to excessive torque and eccentric loading, which complicates tool attachment and removal, and affects long-term chain reliability.

Innovation Solution

A tool holding and conveying chain design featuring positioning flat portions on the tool pot and cooperative flat portions on the link plates, which securely lock the tool pot to the link plates without using holder guides or fastening means, ensuring accurate positioning and preventing relative movement, thereby enhancing durability and reducing assembly complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If holder guides and fastening means are used to prevent tool pot turning, then the tool pot is securely fixed to the outer link plate, but the number of parts increases and the fastening means may break due to excessive torque

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fixing of tool potVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the tool pot and outer link plate into a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate holder guides and fastening means. The tool pot is formed as an integral part of the outer link plate, with the tool holding portion and link plate portions unified into one component, thereby reducing part count while maintaining secure fixing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The outer link plate serves multiple functions: it acts as both the structural link plate and the tool pot housing. The integrated design allows the same component to provide both chain linkage functionality and tool holding capability, eliminating the need for separate holder guides and fastening mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If holder guides and fastening means are used to prevent tool pot turning, then the tool pot is securely fixed, but the assembly becomes cumbersome and requires tap holes and torque management

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fixing of tool potVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the tool pot is eccentrically located to hold tools, then tools can be attached, but positional misalignment occurs from the normal mounting position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool holding capabilityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric positioning features including a positioning protrusion on the tool pot that fits into a positioning recess on the outer link plate. This asymmetric geometric constraint ensures precise angular and radial positioning of the tool pot relative to the inner link plate, preventing misalignment while maintaining tool holding capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Reliability

If planar portions are formed at the tool pot inserting hole, then the tool pot is prevented from turning, but tensile stress concentrates only at the planar portion reducing long-term durability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of tool pot turningVSAvoidchain durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar contact interface to a three-dimensional positioning protrusion-recess interface. This dimensional change creates a positive mechanical interlock that prevents tool pot turning while distributing stresses throughout the engaged surfaces of the protrusion and recess, rather than concentrating them at a single planar contact point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS8814771B2Tool holding and conveying chain

Publication Date: 2014.08.26 TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO

AI summary

There is provided a tool holding and conveying chain adapted to securely lock and position a tool pot, i.e., a connecting pin, to a pin hole of either an outer or inner link plate so that the tool pot does not to turn and to achieve steady and smooth attachment and removal of a tool in and out of the tool pot with a simple attachment structure. The tool pot has a pair of positioning flat portions formed by cutting a link plate attaching outer circumferential region of the tool pot and the outer link plate has a pair of positioning cooperative flat portions formed so as to bulge out of an inner circumference to a center of a pin hole. The positioning flat portions of the tool pot is fitted into and locked by the positioning cooperative flat portions when the tool pot is attached in the link plate.