Tool Holder Positioning Device with Tapered Interlocking Keys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tool holder positioning devices face challenges in precise positioning due to gaps between key and key grooves, leading to potential deviations in X-axis, Y-axis, or twisting directions, and are prone to damage during fitting, while spring-supported protruded portions can result in inaccurate alignment.
Innovation Solution
The use of tapered surfaces on protruded and recessed portions allows for precise, damage-free fitting, with elastically deformable protruded portions ensuring accurate alignment of intersecting axes, preventing twisting and enhancing mounting performance through precise contact and snap-lock mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If key grooves and keys are formed with perpendicular side surfaces, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but gaps are generated between the key and key groove leading to positioning deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by forming tapered surfaces on both the key grooves and keys, replacing the conventional perpendicular side surfaces. This tapered geometry allows the key to be inserted at an angle and gradually seated into the key groove, eliminating gaps between mating surfaces while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard machining operations.
2Device complexity
If key grooves and keys are formed with perpendicular side surfaces, then the structure is simple, but the fitting process is troublesome and prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered surfaces on the keys and key grooves provide a self-aligning and self-seating mechanism during insertion. The gradual convergence of the tapered surfaces guides the key into proper alignment with the key groove, reducing the risk of misalignment and damage during the fitting operation, while the overall structure remains relatively simple.
3Adaptability or versatility
If spring pieces are used to support protruded portions, then the protruded portions can be elastically deformed, but the axis of the protruded portion becomes inclined leading to inaccurate positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the spring-supported protruded portions with keys that have tapered surfaces. The tapered geometry provides the necessary adaptability for insertion while ensuring that the axis of the key remains perpendicular to the coupling surface when seated, eliminating the inclination problem caused by spring pieces and achieving accurate positioning.
4Adaptability or versatility
If small gaps are generated between key and key groove, then the structure is tolerant of manufacturing variations, but positioning deviations occur in X-axis, Y-axis, or twisting directions
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered surfaces on the keys and key grooves eliminate gaps between mating surfaces by providing convergent geometry that forces intimate contact when seated. This curved/tapered approach maintains tolerance to manufacturing variations during the fitting process while ensuring precise final positioning without gaps that would cause deviations.
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
This solution ensures precise, accurate positioning of the tool holder with respect to the tool rest, preventing deviations and enhancing mounting performance by ensuring smooth contact and alignment of axes, thus improving the overall positioning and stability of the tool holder.
Implementation Method 1
the protruded portion is elastically deformable in a direction perpendicular to the seating surface or coupling surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A tool holder positioning device includes: a plurality of protruded portions or a plurality of recessed portions formed to a seating surface of a tool rest; and a plurality of recessed portions or a plurality of protruded portions formed to a coupling surface of a tool holder so as to correspond, respectively, to a plurality of protruded portions or a plurality of recessed portions formed to the seating surface of the tool rest, when the seating surface and the coupling surface are contacted. At least one of the protruded portions and at least one of the recessed portions are disposed on an intersecting axis included in the seating surface, and the recessed portions and the protruded portions to be fitted to the plurality of protruded portions and the plurality of recessed portions are disposed on an intersecting axis included in the coupling surface. A plurality of slots parallel with the seating surface or coupling surface are alternatively formed in a direction of an axis on which the protruded portions are disposed so that the protruded portions are elastically deformable, and tapered surfaces of the recessed portions and the protruded portions are symmetrically formed thereof, respectively.