Two-Part Tool Chuck Adapter for Automated Length Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool chucks with collet-based clamping mechanisms face challenges in precise and automated length adjustment, leading to inefficiencies and potential misalignment during the process.
Innovation Solution
A two-part adapter system comprising a first adapter part with a holding area for the collet and a second adapter part with a receiving area for the tool shank, allowing for precise, automated length adjustment without operator intervention, using a lifting rod to transfer the adjustment movement from the collet to the tool shank while preventing twisting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a collet-based clamping mechanism is used in tool chucks, then the tool can be securely held, but precise and automated length adjustment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is divided into two separate parts: a first adapter part that interfaces with the collet and a second adapter part that interfaces with the tool shank. This segmentation allows the collet to remain stationary while the second adapter part and tool can be independently adjusted axially, enabling precise length adjustment without compromising the secure holding capability of the collet-based clamping mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual length adjustment is performed, then flexibility is maintained, but automation and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter acts as an intermediary device between the collet-based clamping mechanism and the tool. It provides a standardized interface that enables automated length adjustment through its axial movement capability, while maintaining the flexibility of manual adjustment when needed. The adapter's design allows it to work with both automated systems and manual operations.
3Device complexity
If the tool is directly adjusted in the collet, then the adjustment process is simplified, but the tool may become caught and mobility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the adapter into two parts, the system allows the tool to remain stationary in the collet while the second adapter part moves axially to achieve length adjustment. This eliminates the risk of the tool becoming caught in the collet during adjustment, as the tool itself does not need to move through the collet's gripping zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment function is extracted from the collet mechanism itself and transferred to the second adapter part. This allows the collet to maintain its primary function of secure holding without the complication of tool mobility restrictions during adjustment operations.
4Productivity
If automated length adjustment is implemented, then efficiency increases, but precision and accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter design enables the replacement of manual mechanical adjustment with automated axial movement of the second adapter part. The precision is maintained through the controlled axial displacement mechanism, which can be accurately actuated by automated systems while preserving the mechanical interface for precise positioning.
Data Source
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AI summary
An adapter (66) for supporting automated length adjustment of a tool (10) in a tool chuck (12) is proposed, the tool clamping principle of which is based on pressing a collet (18) having a receiving recess (14) for a tool shank (16) with a collet holder (20) that can be separated from the collet (18), in particular in a powRgrip® tool chuck, comprising a first adapter part (30) that has a holding region (22) for holding, in particular upright, the collet (18) of the tool chuck (12) to be adjusted, and comprising a second adapter part (40) that is designed separately from the first adapter part (30) and has a receiving region (24) for the tool shank (16) of the tool (10) to be adjusted.