Hydraulic Tool Holder Coupling with Misalignment-Tolerant Valve Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid coupling systems for tool holders are complex, require significant installation space, and are not practical for use in tool holders due to the need for precise angular and positional alignment, making them unsuitable for automatic tool changes and efficient fluid supply in manufacturing environments.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device comprising a spring-loaded double check valve and an actuator piston with an outwardly opening directional valve, allowing for a compact, reliable, and easy-to-actuate fluid connection between a tool holder and a fluid supply, capable of functioning with small angular and positional deviations, thus enabling efficient fluid supply and automatic tool changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional coupling system with multiple valves is used, then detachable fluid connection is achieved, but device complexity and installation space increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into two separate coupling parts: a first coupling part integrated into the tool holder and a second coupling part on the supply side. This segmentation allows each part to have a simpler, specialized design rather than requiring a complex integrated system with multiple valves, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable detachable connection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The complex valve system is extracted and replaced by utilizing the existing fluid pressure in the tool holder to automatically open the coupling. The spring-loaded closure mechanism and pressure-actuated opening eliminate the need for multiple control valves, significantly simplifying the coupling system while preserving reliable fluid connection functionality
2Reliability
If a conventional coupling system with multiple valves is used, then detachable fluid connection is achieved, but installation space in axial direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the coupling system into two separate parts with specialized functions, the axial length requirement is reduced. The first coupling part in the tool holder only needs accommodation space for the closure mechanism, while the second coupling part on the supply side contains the connection interface, distributing the spatial requirements more efficiently than a single complex valve assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction of the complex valve system eliminates the need for long axial passages required for multiple valves arranged in series. The simplified pressure-actuated opening mechanism requires minimal axial space, significantly reducing the installation space requirement in the axial direction while maintaining reliable detachable connection
3Reliability
If precise angular and positional alignment is required, then fluid connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism incorporates a spring-loaded closure that can accommodate dynamic misalignments between the first and second coupling parts. The spring allows for elastic deformation and adjustment, enabling the coupling to maintain reliable fluid connection even when angular or positional deviations occur during operation, thereby improving ease of operation without sacrificing connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The closure mechanism utilizes changes in spring compression and fluid pressure to adapt to varying alignment conditions. When misalignment occurs, the spring can compress or extend to accommodate the deviation, and the fluid pressure dynamics adjust to maintain sealing, allowing the coupling to remain reliable across a range of operational parameters and alignment conditions
4Reliability
If precise angular and positional alignment is required, then fluid connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system employs self-aligning features where the first and second coupling parts automatically adjust to each other upon engagement. The spring-loaded closure and pressure-actuated opening mechanism work together to self-correct minor misalignments, eliminating the need for complex external alignment devices or precision mounting mechanisms, thereby maintaining reliability without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in spring compression and fluid pressure as adaptive parameters to compensate for alignment variations. These parameter changes allow the coupling to maintain reliable fluid connection across a range of angular and positional conditions without requiring complex alignment mechanisms, keeping the device design simple while ensuring connection reliability
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 coupling device provides a simple, space-saving, and reliable means to supply pressurized fluids to fluidically actuated clamping systems in tool holders, supporting automatic tool changes and reducing the need for complex alignments, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and flexibility in manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
the first coupling part is designed as a spring-loaded and double check valve
Implementation Method 2
the second coupling part comprises an actuator piston guided displaceably in a housing, and wherein an outwardly opening directional valve is arranged in the actuator piston
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device for fluid is proposed which is very simple in construction and requires little installation space, such that it can also be used in stationary or driven tool holders and in other restricted installation situations.