Tool Holder Clamping with Hydraulic Wedge Self-Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices for machine tools require manual operation or complex hydraulic systems, making them inefficient and unsuitable for compact tool turrets.
Innovation Solution
A compact clamping device with a hydraulically operated actuating member and wedges arranged outside the drawbar, allowing for automatic tool changing by moving the drawbar from a releasing to a locking position using a self-locking mechanism, facilitating easy integration into tool turrets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a hydraulic piston is used for controlling the clamping mechanism, then automatic tool changing is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex hydraulic control system from the clamping mechanism and replaces it with a simpler cam-based mechanical actuation system. The cam profile directly converts rotational motion into the required linear motion of the clamping jaw, eliminating the need for hydraulic pistons, fluid lines, and control valves while maintaining automatic operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the hydraulic mechanical system with a pure mechanical cam-follower system. The cam mechanism provides automatic tool changing through rotational actuation, substituting the hydraulic pressure-based actuation with a geometry-based mechanical motion conversion that is inherently simpler and more reliable
2Productivity
If the clamping device is designed for automatic operation, then productivity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is pre-configured with a specific profile that automatically sequences the clamping operation. The cam profile encodes the timing and motion sequence, performing the clamping action automatically as the cam rotates, eliminating the need for complex control systems while enabling high-speed automatic tool changing
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping mechanism utilizes periodic rotational motion of the cam to repeatedly execute the clamping cycle. Each rotation of the cam completes one full clamping sequence, enabling rapid cyclic operation for high productivity while maintaining a simple mechanical structure that can be easily integrated into tool turrets
3Device complexity
If manual operation is used for clamping, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is designed to automatically perform the clamping action without requiring manual intervention. As the cam rotates, its profile automatically guides the follower through the clamping sequence, making the system self-actuating and enabling rapid tool changing while keeping the mechanical structure simple and maintenance-free
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 efficient, automatic tool changing with a compact design, reducing operational complexity and enhancing usability in machine tool applications.
Implementation Method 1
a piston slidably mounted in a space inside the bore and configured to divide this space into a first hydraulic chamber on a first side of the piston and a second hydraulic chamber on an opposite second side of the piston, wherein the actuating member is fixed to the piston and moveable together with the piston in the first axial direction by feeding of hydraulic fluid into the first hydraulic chamber and in the second axial direction by feeding of hydraulic fluid into the second hydraulic chamber
Implementation Method 2
at least one wedge arranged in the bore and configured to transfer an axial movement of the actuating member in the first axial direction in relation to the drawbar into a movement of the drawbar from the advanced releasing position to the retracted locking position
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping device is arranged for releasably holding a tool holder shank. The clamping device includes a housing, a drawbar axially moveable in a bore in the housing in a first axial direction between an advanced releasing position and a retracted locking position, engagement members moveable under the effect of the drawbar into locking engagement with the tool holder shank, a sleeve-shaped actuating member surrounding a part of the drawbar and axially moveable in relation to it, a piston received in the bore and fixed to the actuating member, and a wedge arranged on the outside of the drawbar and configured to move the drawbar rearwards in the bore when pressed inwards towards a longitudinal center axis of the drawbar by movement of the piston and the actuating member in the first axial direction.