Three-Part Tool Holder for Self-Aligning Misaligned Holes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tool heads for metal drilling, threading, and milling machines lack structural means to self-align in misaligned holes, leading to potential tool breakage or forcing during operation.

Innovation Solution

A three-part tool holder system with axial clearance along both horizontal and vertical axes, utilizing a circular spring to keep the parts centered and aligned, allowing for self-alignment of up to 1 mm in misaligned holes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid tool head structure is used, then manufacturing precision and structural stability are improved, but the tool head cannot absorb misalignment deviations and may break the tool

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool head reliabilityVSAvoidtolerance to misalignment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The tool head is divided into three separate parts (first part, second part, third part) that can rotate relative to each other around the axial line. This segmentation allows each part to independently adjust its angular position, enabling the tool head to absorb misalignment deviations while maintaining structural integrity and preventing tool breakage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tool head transitions from a rigid fixed structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. The first, second, and third parts can rotate dynamically around the axial line to adapt to misalignment conditions, allowing the system to maintain reliability while accommodating variations in hole positioning up to 1 mm deviation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a three-part rotation transmission system with axial clearance is used, then adaptability to misaligned holes is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveself-alignment capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex self-alignment function is achieved by segmenting the tool head into three simpler parts that can rotate independently around the axial line. Each part contributes to the overall adaptability, and the modular design makes the system easier to manufacture and maintain compared to a single complex rigid structure with built-in compliance mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 the tool head to absorb deviations of up to 1 mm in misaligned holes without forcing or breaking the tool, improving operational ease and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a circular spring keeps them centred and aligned when there is no force causing them to be misaligned

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4497524A1Tool holder for metal drilling, threading and milling machines
Publication Date: 2025.01.29 PERIS BONO JUAN JOSÉ
  • EP4497524A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4497524A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4497524A1 patent drawingFigure 3~6

AI summary

TOOL HOLDER FOR METAL DRILLING, THREADING AND MILLING MACHINES comprising three parts, of which the first part has a base forming a plate having an axial appendage for joining the parts together and two diametrically opposed mounting holes for receiving the ends of two shafts fastened to the plate-shaped second part, and two other shafts on the opposite face, the ends of which are seated in diametrically opposed mounting holes in the third part, which has a tubular axial passage and two oval appendages in the opening thereof that are intended to be coupled to the concave sides of the axial appendage of the first part, with the appendages being retained by a circular spring. The three parts are joined together by a ring that is fastened to the axial appendage of the first part.