Tool Holder Adapter Exchange Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tool holders face inefficiencies in tool exchange due to time-consuming processes and reduced precision when reassembling adapters, as they require releasing and tightening multiple screws, leading to potential loss of screws and inconsistent reassembly precision.
Innovation Solution
A tool holder design featuring an adapter with fastening holes and a spindle with rotatable blocks and bolts, where the adapter has a key for precise reassembly and an eccentricity controlling mechanism to maintain initial joining state, ensuring accurate and efficient tool exchange without external force adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple screws are used to fasten the adapter to the spindle, then the connection strength is improved, but the time required for tool exchange increases and the complexity of the fastening process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into multiple independent blocks, each with its own screw. This allows selective fastening where only certain blocks need to be secured depending on the adapter type, rather than requiring all screws to be tightened. The segmentation enables parallel processing of fastening operations and reduces the number of screws that must be manipulated in sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential fastening function from the complete set of screws and identifies that only a subset of blocks typically requires fastening. By taking out the unnecessary fastening operations, the system achieves adequate connection strength with fewer screw operations, directly reducing tool exchange time while maintaining connection reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple screws are used to fasten the adapter to the spindle, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple fastening components
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into modular blocks, each independently fastenable. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability by securing critical blocks while ignoring non-critical ones, reducing the overall complexity of the fastening operation. Each block is a self-contained unit with its own screw, simplifying the mental model of the fastening process.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system is made dynamic and adaptive - the operator can choose which blocks to fasten based on the specific adapter requirements. This dynamic approach replaces the static requirement of fastening all blocks, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability for the specific application at hand.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the adapter is separated and rejoined using conventional screws, then the adapter can be exchanged, but the reassembly precision decreases and screws may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The blocks are designed with self-aligning features including positioning pins and tapered surfaces that automatically guide the adapter back to its correct position when reattached. The system serves itself by providing built-in positioning mechanisms rather than requiring external alignment tools or procedures, ensuring consistent reassembly precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the conventional screw-only fastening system with a hybrid system incorporating mechanical positioning elements (positioning pins, tapered surfaces). This substitution provides passive geometric constraints that maintain precision without relying solely on operator skill or multiple screw adjustments.
4Ease of operation
If all screws must be released and tightened to exchange the adapter, then the adapter can be fully removed, but the productivity decreases due to the series of operations required
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into independent block-screw units that can be operated separately. This allows the operator to selectively fasten or release only the necessary blocks for the current adapter type, rather than performing a complete cycle of all screws. The segmentation enables partial fastening operations that maintain adapter security without requiring full disassembly/reassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows partial fastening where only the necessary blocks are secured for each adapter type. This partial action approach avoids the excessive operation of tightening all screws when fewer are needed, directly improving productivity by reducing the number of fastening operations while maintaining adequate connection strength.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed therein is an adapter-exchangeable type tool holder, which includes an adapter having fastening holes formed therein and a spindle having blocks and bolts detachably mounted to the fastening holes, wherein the blocks are respectively rotatable on hinge pins joined to the spindle, so that the spindle can be easily joined to and separated from the adapter.