Tool Holder Coupling Geometry for Precise Torque Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

The coupling between tool holders and tools in precision tools, such as circular saw blades and milling cutters, is not optimized for performance and quality, leading to limitations in cutting depth and sawing width.

Innovation Solution

A tool unit design featuring a tool holder and tool with circularly arranged elevations and grooves forming stop surfaces, where the stop surfaces of both components are aligned to allow for machining with the same tool, reducing manufacturing time and increasing precision, and enabling optimal torque transmission and surface contact for improved precision and reduced wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional coupling elements with differently designed male and female parts are used, then the coupling can be manufactured with standard tools, but the manufacturing precision and production time are insufficient for high-precision applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by designing the stop surfaces with a specific directional alignment where both the first and second coupling elements have identical grooves and protrusions arranged at the same angular positions. This asymmetric arrangement relative to the coupling axis enables the stop surfaces to be machined from the same direction, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple different machining tools are used for different coupling parts, then each part can be manufactured with appropriate tools, but the overall manufacturing time increases and precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestop surface precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing the coupling elements with identical groove and protrusion geometries arranged at the same angular positions. This allows a single machining tool to machine all stop surfaces on both coupling elements using the same machining parameters and tool paths, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools and reducing both manufacturing time and precision variations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the coupling elements are designed with complex different geometries, then the torque transmission can be optimized, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling reliabilityVSAvoidcoupling design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating the complexity only where needed - the stop surfaces are precisely engineered with specific angular alignments and surface finishes to ensure optimal torque transmission and positioning, while the overall groove and protrusion geometry remains simple and identical on both coupling elements. This localized precision approach maintains coupling reliability without requiring complex designs throughout the entire coupling structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4201560A1Tool unit and process
Publication Date: 2023.06.28 ALESA
  • EP4201560A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4201560A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4201560A1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A tool unit comprises a tool holder (1) and a tool (2) that is detachably connected to the tool holder (1). The tool holder (1) has a first coupling part (13) and the tool (2) has a second coupling part (23), wherein the first coupling part (13) and the second coupling part (23) can be engaged with each other. The first coupling part (13) and the second coupling part (23) have circularly arranged protrusions (130, 230) and grooves (131, 231) extending between the protrusions (130, 230), forming stop surfaces (134, 234), wherein the protrusions (130, 230) define a circle with a center point (K). Each pair of stop surfaces (134, 234) of the first coupling part (13) and of the second coupling part (23) defines a common longitudinal axis (L) that extends through the center of the circle (K). The two stop surfaces (134, 234) defining each common longitudinal axis (L) are oriented identically.The tool unit according to the invention has an optimized coupling and can be manufactured in a time-efficient and precise manner.