Three-Part Tool Holder for Self-Aligning Misaligned Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current metal drilling, threading, and milling machines lack a tool head that can self-align in misaligned holes by up to 1 mm without forcing or breaking the tool, limiting their operational flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A three-part tool holder system with axial clearance along both horizontal and vertical axes, where the first part transmits rotation to the intermediate part, which then transmits it to the output part, utilizing a circular spring to keep the components centered and aligned, allowing for self-alignment and absorption of deviations in misaligned holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rigid tool head structure is used, then manufacturing precision and stability are improved, but the tool head cannot absorb misalignment deviations in holes
Solution Approach 1:
The tool head is divided into three separable parts (first part, intermediate part, and output part) that can rotate relative to each other around horizontal and vertical axes. This segmentation allows each part to move independently to accommodate misalignment while maintaining overall structural integrity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool head transitions from a rigid fixed structure to a dynamic adjustable structure where the intermediate part can rotate around horizontal and vertical axes. This dynamic capability enables the tool head to adapt to misaligned holes by self-adjusting its orientation while maintaining manufacturing precision during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If axial clearance is added to enable self-alignment, then adaptability to misaligned holes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex self-alignment function is achieved by segmenting the tool head into three parts with defined rotation capabilities. The intermediate part serves as a dedicated alignment mechanism that can rotate around horizontal and vertical axes, separating the alignment function from the cutting function and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate part acts as an intermediary element between the first part (input) and the output part. It provides the necessary rotation around horizontal and vertical axes to absorb misalignment, mediating between the motor drive and the cutting tool while simplifying the overall alignment mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rotation axes are added for self-alignment, then tolerance to misalignment is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tool head is designed to self-align automatically through the rotation capability of the intermediate part around horizontal and vertical axes. The system performs the alignment function autonomously during operation without requiring manual adjustment or complex control, maintaining ease of operation while achieving misalignment tolerance.
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, enhancing operational ease, practicality, and comfort in metalworking processes.
Implementation Method 1
a circular spring keeps them centered and aligned when there is no force causing them to be misaligned
Data Source
AI summary
A 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.