Tool Holder Release Mechanism for Single-Arm Tool Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated assembly devices, such as those used in mobile drilling and assembly tasks, face challenges in efficiently removing worn-out or defective tools from tool holders without human intervention, as existing solutions require additional actuators or robot arms, complicating the process.
Innovation Solution
A device with a receiving element and a clamping element that interacts to reduce the tool holder's cross-section, allowing the tool to be clamped and removed by displacing the tool holder, which can be achieved with a single robot arm, eliminating the need for additional actuators or robot arms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a device uses additional actuators or robot arms to remove tools from tool holders, then the tool removal function is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving element and clamping element are merged into a single integrated device that performs both tool holder reception and tool clamping functions. The receiving element receives the tool holder while the clamping element simultaneously clamps the tool, eliminating the need for separate actuators or robot arms that would otherwise be required for tool removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-service tool removal where the receiving element and clamping element work together autonomously. The receiving element's movement automatically actuates the clamping element to clamp the tool, and the entire process can be performed by a single robot arm manipulating the tool holder, without requiring additional service mechanisms.
2Productivity
If manual tool changing is used in handheld power tools, then the device complexity remains low, but the productivity and automation level decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical tool changing operation is replaced by an automated device system. The receiving element and clamping element provide automated tool clamping and holder reception, substituting the manual operator's actions with automated mechanical mechanisms that can be controlled by a single robot arm, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
3Reliability
If the clamping element reduces the cross-section of the tool space, then the tool is securely clamped, but the tool holder displacement becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic operation where the receiving element and clamping element are actuated in a specific sequence. The receiving element first receives and positions the tool holder, then the clamping element is actuated to clamp the tool. This dynamic sequencing ensures secure clamping while maintaining ease of operation, as each action builds upon the previous positioning action rather than opposing it.
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 easy and automated tool removal and replacement in mobile assembly devices, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the need for human intervention by using a single robot arm to manage the tool holder's displacement and clamping mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The clamping element is pressed into the release position, in particular by a first spring, for example a coil spring
Implementation Method 2
The receiving element is pressed by a second spring, for example a coil spring, against a stop
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a method for removing a tool from a tool holder. The device (10) has a receiving element (16, 18), which has a receiving space (20) for receiving at least one part of the tool holder (14), a tool space (32) connected to the receiving space (20) for receiving at least one part of a tool (12), and a clamping element (62), which is designed and arranged such that it releases a tool (12) in a release position and clamps said tool in a clamping position. The receiving element (16, 34) and the clamping element (62) are designed and arranged such that, starting from the release position of the clamping element (62), when an effective region (56) of the receiving element (16, 34) is displaced in an actuation direction (22) towards the clamping element (62), the effective region (56) of the receiving element (16, 34) interacts with the clamping element (62) such that the clamping element (62) reduces a cross section of the tool space (32) transverse to the actuation direction (22), thus bringing the clamping element (62) into the clamping position.