Tool-Free Rotary Indexing Table Locking for Faster Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary indexing table arrangements require significant time and additional tools to loosen and tighten screws during setup, leading to increased costs and storage requirements for tools.
Innovation Solution
A tool-free rotary indexing table assembly with a pressure bolt lock, where a rotating means is detachably or non-detachably connected to a receiving arrangement using a bolt arrangement with a movable bolt body and a spring system, eliminating the need for screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are used to fix the rotary indexing table arrangement, then the connection is secure, but the setup time increases and additional tools are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the screw connection system entirely and replaces it with a pressure bolt closure mechanism. The bolt body (22) moves axially to directly press the rotating means (12) against the receiving arrangement (16), eliminating the need for screws and screwdrivers, thus reducing setup time while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the threaded mechanical system (screws) with a linear pressure-based system (bolt body moving along the rotation axis). The bolt arrangement (18) uses axial movement to create clamping force, substituting the rotational threading mechanism with a simpler linear pressing action that requires no additional tools.
2Reliability
If screws are used to assemble the rotary indexing table arrangement, then the connection is secure, but the cost of tools increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external tool requirement by extracting the screwdriver function and integrating it into the bolt arrangement itself. The bolt body (22) with its head structure provides the necessary actuation mechanism directly in the assembly, eliminating the need for separate screwdriver tools and reducing overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt arrangement is designed to be self-contained, with the bolt body (22) and spring system (20) forming an integrated assembly that requires no external tools for operation. The mechanism serves itself by using the bolt's own structure to apply and maintain the clamping force.
3Reliability
If screws are used to fix the rotary indexing table arrangement, then the connection is secure, but the storage space for tools increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tool requirement entirely from the system, eliminating the need for any external screwdrivers or assembly tools. By using a pressure bolt closure where the bolt body (22) directly applies force, the system removes the need for tool storage space completely.
4Loss of time
If a pressure bolt closure is used instead of screws, then the setup time decreases, but the complexity of the bolt arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the bolt arrangement: the bolt body (22) combines the actuating element, the spring system (20) provides automatic return and maintaining force, and the interaction with abutment means (30) provides both positioning and locking functions. This integration reduces overall system complexity despite the sophisticated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt arrangement serves multiple purposes: it provides the clamping force for secure connection, the spring system maintains constant pressure, the interaction with abutment means provides positioning, and the entire mechanism eliminates tool requirements. This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by eliminating other system components.
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
The solution simplifies and accelerates the setup process by eliminating the need for tools, reducing setup time, and minimizing wear on components, while ensuring secure and reliable connections.
Implementation Method 1
a bolt arrangement (18) with a bolt body (22) movable along the rotation axis D by means of a spring system (20)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a rotary indexing table assembly (10) having an axis of rotation (D), comprising: a rotation element (12), which can be rotated about the axis of rotation (D) and has a centering opening (14) coaxial with the axis of rotation (D); a receiving assembly (16) having a pin assembly (18), the pin assembly (18) comprising a pin body (22), which can be moved along the axis of rotation (D) by means of a spring system (20) and which can be set in a set-up state or a blocking state such that, in the set-up state, the rotation element (12) is releasably connected to the receiving assembly (16) and, in the blocking state, the rotation element (12) is fixedly connected to the receiving assembly (16). The invention further relates to a rotation element for the aforementioned rotary indexing table assembly and to a receiving assembly for the aforementioned rotary indexing table assembly. This allows simplified and accelerated set-up or re-setting of the rotary indexing table assembly.