Tool Holding System Axial Positioning via Friction Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing setting devices for rotary tools suffer from angular and axial deviations due to thread connections, which affect precision and can be compromised by dust and debris, especially in high-precision machining applications.

Innovation Solution

A setting device with synchronized, smaller setting members arranged away from the central axis, utilizing a combination of thread, cam, or gear mechanisms to provide precise axial positioning, and a synchronization mechanism such as a gear arrangement or friction connection to minimize deviations and protect against dust and debris.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a thread connection is used to connect the setting device to the tool holder, then the setting device can be easily manufactured and assembled, but angular and axial deviations occur that reduce positioning precision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial positioning precisionVSAvoidthread connection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional thread connection with a friction-based mechanical system. The setting device uses a friction connection between the setting member and the tool holder, eliminating the need for threads. This substitution removes the source of angular and axial deviations while maintaining ease of assembly and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using threaded engagement to transmit axial force, the patent inverts the approach by using radial friction pressure to generate axial positioning force. The setting member presses radially against the tool holder with sufficient friction to prevent axial movement, thereby achieving precise positioning without threads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Manufacturing precision

If a high-precision thread connection is used to minimize angular deviation, then positioning accuracy improves, but the system becomes more sensitive to dust and debris

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial positioning precisionVSAvoidsensitivity to dust and debris
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the thread connection entirely and replaces it with a friction-based system. This removes the threaded interface that is sensitive to dust and debris, while maintaining high positioning accuracy through frictional contact that is more tolerant of contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The friction-based setting mechanism uses simple, robust components that are less sensitive to wear and contamination. The setting member and tool holder interface is designed to be tolerant of dust and debris, effectively treating the interface as a robust, maintenance-friendly connection rather than a precision-threaded one.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Volume of moving object

If the setting device is positioned close to the central axis for compact design, then device size is reduced, but angular deviation translates to larger axial deviation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetting device sizeVSAvoidaxial positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thread-based mechanical system with a friction-based system that decouples the relationship between radial position and axial precision. The friction mechanism allows the setting device to be positioned anywhere radially while maintaining consistent axial positioning accuracy, as the friction force acts axially regardless of the radial position of the setting member.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The solution significantly reduces angular and axial deviations, enhancing precision and ease of operation while reducing the risk of malfunction due to dust and debris, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of tool positioning.

Implementation Method 1

The setting device may utilize a combination of thread, cam, or gear mechanisms to provide precise axial positioning

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 2

a synchronization mechanism such as a gear arrangement or friction connection to minimize deviations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 3

The locking device comprises a ring which is fixedly connected to the tool or tool part, and which is connected to the setting device by a number of individually operable screws

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2676767B1Tool holding system and method for setting an axial position of a tool or tool part
Publication Date: 2015.08.19 ETP TRANSMISSION AKTIE BOLAGET
  • EP2676767B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP2676767B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2676767B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A tool holding system comprises an abutment, configured to be fixed or fixable relative a drive or driven machine axle at a first axial side of a rotatable tool or tool part, and a setting device (S) for setting an axial position of a the rotatable component tool or tool part (T1, T2). The setting device (S) is fixable relative to the axle at a second axial side of the tool or tool part.The setting device comprises a base member (20), adapted to be arranged in an axially fixed manner, and at least two separate setting members (1a, 1b, 1c; 1 a', 1b', 1 c'), mechanically movable relative to the base member (20), and arranged to provide a respective substantially axial movement transferrable to a respective portion (Pa, Pb, Pc) of the component tool or tool part (T1, T2).