Tool-Holder Angular Positioning with Offset Cam Pins

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for precise angular positioning of tool-holders on CNC machines are laborious, require skilled personnel, and result in significant production downtime and increased costs due to frequent tool replacements and complex manual operations.

Innovation Solution

A tool-holder system with a motorized or non-motorized design featuring a front and rear part with offset pins and centesimal comparators, allowing for easy and precise angular positioning using a spanner and elastic rings, enabling quick and accurate alignment without the need for specialized equipment or skilled labor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual angular positioning operations are performed using conventional methods, then precise angular positioning can be achieved, but the operations are laborious and require skilled personnel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular positioning precisionVSAvoidease of angular positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary device consisting of a pin with an offset cylindrical central portion that mediates between the operator's rotational input and the tool-holder's angular positioning. This intermediary mechanism translates simple rotation into precise angular adjustment, eliminating the need for skilled manual operations while maintaining high positioning accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex manual mechanical positioning operations with a simplified mechanical system featuring offset pins and comparators. The system substitutes skilled human manipulation with a self-guided mechanical mechanism that automatically ensures precise angular positioning through its geometric design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If frequent tool-holder replacements are performed to accommodate various machining operations, then machining versatility is improved, but production downtime increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining versatilityVSAvoidproduction downtime
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the tool-holder with an angular positioning device that allows for rapid adjustment. This preliminary preparation enables quick repositioning without lengthy manual operations, reducing downtime while maintaining versatility for different machining operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic capability to the tool-holder system through an adjustable angular positioning mechanism. This allows the tool-holder to dynamically adapt its angle during production runs, enabling versatile machining operations without requiring frequent complete tool replacements, thus reducing downtime

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If specialized equipment and skilled personnel are used for angular positioning, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular positioning accuracyVSAvoidpositioning system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential function of angular positioning from complex manual operations and specialized equipment, isolating it into a simple pin-and-comparator mechanism. This extracted mechanism maintains positioning accuracy while eliminating the need for complex external equipment and skilled personnel

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs simple, inexpensive components such as offset pins and comparators that can be easily replaced or adjusted. These simple components achieve precise positioning without requiring expensive specialized equipment, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP3417993B1Device for the precise angular positioning of tool-holders suitable for CNC machines and tool-holders equipped with such device
Publication Date: 2022.10.19 ALGRA SPA
  • EP3417993B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3417993B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3417993B1 patent drawingFigure 2~6

AI summary

A device for the precise angular positioning of tool-holders suitable for CNC machines, in particular tool-holders (10) motorised or non-motorised, comprising a front part (12) and an opposite rear part (14) and suitable to perform angular machining on multispindle and single-spindle CNC lathes, on transfer machines, milling centres and machine tools which perform machining by chip removal, comprises a plug (18) cooperating with a pair of pins (28), (30) arranged orthogonally relative to said plug and adjustable in rotation. Each of the pins (28), (30) comprises an offset cylindrical central portion (32), forming a cam which, by rotating, interacts with said pins to achieve said precise angular positioning of the tool-holders (10).