Tool Receptacle Insertion with Contact-Free Axial Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shrink-fitting devices for inserting tools into tool receptacles are complex, prone to inaccuracies due to wear and play, and often damage small or fragile tools during handling, especially those with diameters less than 10 mm.
Innovation Solution
A device with a linear guide and contact-free sensing arrangement to precisely position tools within tool receptacles, using a clamping arrangement with elastic engaging elements to support tools and compensate for positional inaccuracies, and a method that involves sensing two reference points to ensure accurate axial placement without mechanical stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional shrink-fitting procedures are used to insert tools into tool receptacles, then the tool can be securely clamped, but small and fragile tools (diameter < 10 mm) are subjected to strong loads and frequently damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cushioning element (e.g., rubber or plastic insert) between the tool and the clamping jaws of the tool receptacle. This cushioning element absorbs and distributes the clamping forces, preventing direct contact between the hard clamping surfaces and the fragile tool, thereby protecting the tool from damage while maintaining secure clamping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the clamping force parameters by using a softer, more compliant material for the clamping surfaces that contact the tool. This changes the stress distribution and reduces peak stresses on the tool, allowing secure clamping without damaging small and fragile tools.
2Measurement precision
If conventional mechanical sensing arrangements are used to detect tool position, then axial placement can be monitored, but the mechanical components are prone to wear and play, limiting precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sensing arrangements with optical sensing arrangements. Optical sensors (e.g., laser sensors, cameras) detect tool position and axial placement without physical contact, eliminating wear and play associated with mechanical components while providing high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical field as an intermediary between the sensing system and the tool. Instead of direct mechanical contact for sensing, light serves as the mediator to detect tool position, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts in the sensing arrangement.
3Extent of automation
If complex fully automatic shrink-fitting devices with multiple moving parts are used, then automated tool insertion is achieved, but the precision is limited by play and wear of moving components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sensing and positioning components with optical systems. Optical sensors and laser measurement systems provide precise feedback for automated control without the wear and play inherent in mechanical moving parts, maintaining automation while improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements optical feedback systems that continuously monitor tool position and axial placement during the automated insertion process. This optical feedback provides real-time data to the control system, enabling precise positioning without relying on mechanical encoders or position sensors that are subject to wear.
4Manufacturing precision
If manual inspection and correction of tool-receptacle assembly is performed after shrink-fitting, then placement accuracy can be verified, but additional time and operational effort are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time optical feedback systems that monitor and verify tool-receptacle assembly accuracy during the shrink-fitting process. The optical sensors detect placement deviations as they occur, enabling immediate correction without requiring post-assembly inspection, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual inspection with automated optical inspection systems. Optical sensors and image processing systems automatically verify placement accuracy, eliminating the need for manual measurement and inspection, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining or improving precision.
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 precise and damage-free insertion of small and fragile tools into tool receptacles, reducing the risk of breakage and improving handling efficiency by compensating for inaccuracies and minimizing mechanical stress.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing arrangement, which is able to move in an axial direction and is configured to sense in a contact-free manner an axial position of a first reference point associated with the first holding means and to sense in a contact-free manner an axial position of a second reference point for a tool held by the second holding means
Implementation Method 2
a linear guide, by means of which the second holding means is able to move in relation to the first holding means in an axial direction running along or parallel to a main axis (X)
Implementation Method 3
a clamping arrangement with elastic engaging elements to support tools and compensate for positional inaccuracies
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a device (10) for inserting a tool (18) into a tool receptacle (14), said device comprising a first holding means (12), which is configured to hold a tool receptacle (14), a second holding means (16), which is configured to hold a tool (18), a linear guide (20), by means of which the second holding means (16) is able to move in relation to the first holding means (12) in an axial direction running along or parallel to a main axis (X) in order to move the tool closer to the tool receptacle and insert it into the tool receptacle, a sensing arrangement (40), which is able to move in an axial direction and is configured to sense in a contact-free manner an axial position of a first reference point (R1) associated with the first holding means and to sense in a contact-free manner an axial position of a second reference point (R2) for a tool held by the second holding means, and a measuring arrangement, which measures an axial displacement path of the sensing arrangement. The invention furthermore relates to a method for inserting a tool as well as a device having a clamping arrangement for holding the tool.