Tool Holder Clamping Mechanism for Compact Automatic Tool Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping mechanisms for tool holders in machine tools are either bulky and unsuitable for automatic tool change applications or require manual actuation, making them inefficient for use in tool turrets with limited axial space.
Innovation Solution
A compact clamping device with a housing, drawbar, and actuator that allows for automatic tool change applications. The actuator is positioned non-parallel to the longitudinal axis, enabling linear movement without requiring cam-shaft rotation, and includes locking and releasing surfaces with specific angles to achieve self-locking and force amplification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a hydraulic piston is used to control the clamping mechanism for automatic tool change, then automation is improved, but the device becomes bulky and requires much space
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator axis is arranged non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drawbar, allowing the actuator to apply force at an angle. This dimensional change enables the conversion of linear actuator movement into axial drawbar displacement through the inclined locking pressure applying surface, significantly reducing the axial space requirement while maintaining automatic tool change capability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pressure applying surface is inclined at a specific angle relative to the actuator axis. By changing the geometric parameter (inclination angle) of this surface, the mechanism transforms the actuator's linear movement into effective axial force on the drawbar, achieving compact design with adequate clamping force
2Volume of stationary object
If a cam shaft is used for clamping, then the device is compact, but manual operation is required which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined locking pressure applying surface automatically converts the actuator's linear movement into the necessary axial displacement of the drawbar. The geometry of the surfaces themselves performs the force transformation function, eliminating the need for complex cam mechanisms while enabling automatic operation through simple linear actuator movement
Solution Approach 2:
The complex cam shaft mechanism is replaced by extracting only the essential function of force transformation. The inclined surfaces directly convert actuator movement into drawbar displacement without requiring rotation or complex mechanical linkages, simplifying the mechanism while maintaining compactness and enabling automation
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 clamping device achieves a compact design suitable for tool turrets with limited space, enabling automatic tool change applications without manual operation, while ensuring reliable self-locking and force amplification for secure clamping.
Implementation Method 1
the first locking pressure applying surface slides and presses against the first locking pressure receiving surface
Implementation Method 2
the first locking pressure applying surface, in a first direction along the actuator axis, inclined towards the actuator axis
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping device is arranged for releasably holding a tool holder shank. The clamping device includes a housing, a drawbar mounted reciprocally movable inside a bore in the housing, and an actuator. An aperture extends along an actuator axis and is delimited by an aperture housing surface and a drawbar groove. A first locking pressure applying surface on the actuator acts upon a first locking pressure receiving surface in the drawbar groove to effectuate a displacement of the drawbar when the actuator is moved along the actuator axis in a first direction, resulting in clamping of the tool holder shank.