Tool Holder Insertion with Contactless Axial Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for inserting tools into tool holders lack precision and are prone to damaging small or sensitive tools, especially those with diameters less than 10 mm, due to mechanical stress and inaccuracies caused by wear and play in moving parts.
Innovation Solution
A device with a first holding device for the tool holder and a second holding device for the tool, featuring a linear guide for axial movement and contactless detection of reference points on both the tool and holder, allowing precise axial positioning without mechanical stress, using optical detection or ultrasonic waves, and a measuring arrangement to account for inaccuracies in the assembly length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional shrink-fitting processes are used with mechanical contact for positioning, then the device structure can be simpler, but the tool positioning precision deteriorates due to wear and play in moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based positioning systems with an optical measurement system. A measurement arrangement with optical sensors non-contactly detects the positions of the tool and tool holder, eliminating wear and play issues inherent in mechanical systems. This allows precise axial positioning without the degradation caused by mechanical component wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical measurement system as an intermediary between the tool holder and the tool. This intermediary non-contactly measures the axial positions and provides data to the control unit, enabling precise positioning without direct mechanical contact between the positioning components.
2Reliability
If mechanical holding devices are used to secure small tools, then the device structure can be simpler, but the tool integrity deteriorates due to mechanical stress and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact systems with an optical measurement and positioning system. The detection arrangement non-contactly detects reference points on the tool, eliminating mechanical stress that would otherwise damage delicate cutting edges of small tools during positioning and measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical detection to create a virtual model or representation of the tool's position by detecting reference points. This optical copy or measurement of the tool's axial position allows for precise control without physical contact, preventing damage to the actual tool.
3Productivity
If fully automatic shrink-fitting processes are implemented, then productivity increases, but the device complexity and number of moving parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with an optical measurement system controlled by a control unit. The detection arrangement non-contactly measures axial positions, and the control unit processes this data to automate the positioning process, reducing the need for complex mechanical moving parts while maintaining full automation capability.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple moving components are used for axial positioning, then the device can be more versatile, but the positioning precision deteriorates due to play and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based axial positioning with an optical measurement system. The detection arrangement non-contactly detects the axial positions of both the tool holder and tool, eliminating wear and play in moving components while maintaining the ability to perform positioning functions.
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
Enables precise and stress-free insertion of small or sensitive tools into tool holders, maintaining tool integrity and accuracy by contactless detection and adjustment, reducing the impact of wear and play on positioning precision.
Implementation Method 1
contactless detection of reference points on both the tool and holder, allowing precise axial positioning without mechanical stress, using optical detection or ultrasonic waves
Implementation Method 2
contactless detection of reference points on both the tool and holder, allowing precise axial positioning without mechanical stress, using optical detection or ultrasonic waves
Implementation Method 3
a linear guide by means of which the second holding device is movable relative to the first holding device in an axial direction extending along or parallel to a principal axis (X)
Implementation Method 4
As the tool holder cools, possibly with the aid of a cooling device, it shrinks and clamps the tool securely and reliably on all sides
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (10) for inserting a tool (18) into a tool holder (14). Said device comprises a first holding element (12), designed to hold a tool holder (14), a second holding element (16), designed to hold a tool (18), a linear guide (20) by means of which the second holding element (16) can move relative to the first holding element (12) in an axial direction that runs along or parallel to a main axis (X), to approach the tool to the tool holder and to insert it into the tool holder, a detection arrangement (40) which can move in the axial direction and is designed for contactless detection of an axial position of a first reference point (R1) associated with the first holding element and for contactless detection of an axial position of a second reference point (R2) of a tool held by the second holding element, and a measuring arrangement which measures an axial movement path of the detection arrangement. The invention further relates to a method for insertion of a tool and to a device comprising a clamp arrangement for holding a tool.