Articulated Tool Holder Angle Display With Compact Side Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool-holder heads with variable angles have a large footprint due to integrated displays and difficulty in reading the displayed angle, especially when the screen is inclined or overturned.
Innovation Solution
A device with a display element mounted on the articulated connection member parallel to its lateral surface, allowing for a compact design and easy reading, featuring an accelerometer and a semi-disc shaped display device that rotates with the tool holder body, providing a wide rotation amplitude without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the display is integrated in the head body or in a separate body fastened to the head, then the display function is provided, but the footprint is considerably increased
Solution Approach 1:
The display element is arranged parallel to the lateral surface of the articulated connection member instead of being integrated into the head body, utilizing the lateral dimension of the connection member to house the display without increasing the overall footprint of the head assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The display element is extracted from the head body integration and relocated to the articulated connection member, separating the display function from the main head structure to reduce the footprint while maintaining display capability
2Area of stationary object
If the screen is orientated in a direction inclined in respect to the horizontal or completely overturned, then the display can be integrated in the head, but the readability of the angle value becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The display element is electronically connected to the control and measurement elements and rotates together with the tool holder body, providing real-time feedback that maintains the display orientation relative to the head body, ensuring the displayed angle value remains readable regardless of the head's inclination
Solution Approach 2:
The display element is made dynamic by connecting it to the tool holder body through the articulated connection member, allowing the display to rotate and reorient automatically with the tool holder's movement, maintaining optimal viewing angle throughout the range of motion
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 reduces the device's footprint and enhances readability of the inclination angle, ensuring unobstructed tool movement with a compact and efficient display integration.
Implementation Method 1
an element for measuring and controlling (preferably an accelerometer with one or more axes) the rotation of the tool holder body
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The device for connecting a tool to a machine comprises an attachment body (2) for being attached to the machine, and which develops along a longitudinal axis (L); a tool holder body (3); an articulated connection member (4) which mutually connects the attachment body (2) and the tool holder body (3), and which allows the rotation of the tool holder body (3) around a rotation axis (R) transversal to the longitudinal axis (L), the articulated connection member (4) having at least one lateral surface (6) transversal to the rotation axis (R); a control and measurement rotation element of the tool holder body (3); and a display element (7) for displaying the rotation angle of the tool holder body (3) in relation to the attachment body (2), electronically connected to the control and measurement rotation element. The display element (7) is arranged at the articulated connection member (4) and parallel to the lateral surface (6).