Tool Mounting Device for Turning Center with Wedge Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
In turning centers, the shared clamp mechanism for rotating and turning tools faces challenges with radial load distribution, leading to bearing unit damage and inefficiencies due to the need for hydraulic systems, which complicates tool exchange and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A tool mounting device that utilizes the deformation of the bearing unit to implement a dual-surface restraint mechanism, allowing for secure clamping without hydraulic systems and specialized tools, using a drawbar retraction force to apply elastic pressure on the tapered shank, and incorporating a wedge mechanism for automatic locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a hydraulic cylinder device with large diameter is used to increase clamp force for turning tools, then the clamp force is sufficient to counter radial load, but the structure becomes complex and hydraulic systems are required which consume energy and resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic cylinder device with a mechanical wedge mechanism. The wedge mechanism uses mechanical advantage through the wedge angle to generate sufficient clamp force without requiring hydraulic systems, thereby eliminating the complexity associated with hydraulic components while maintaining the necessary clamping force for turning tools
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge mechanism is designed to be self-locking, where the wedge angle provides automatic mechanical locking that maintains clamp force without continuous energy input. The system uses the reaction force from the bearing unit deformation itself to sustain the clamping action, eliminating the need for continuous hydraulic pressure
2Force
If the tapered shank is pressed into close contact with the mounting engagement unit to counter radial load, then the clamp mechanism can handle the load, but the bearing unit becomes damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic deformation of the bearing unit as a compliant element. Instead of rigid contact between the tapered shank and mounting engagement unit, the bearing unit deforms elastically under load, absorbing the radial forces dynamically. This dynamic response prevents damage by distributing stresses over time and avoiding concentrated impact loads on the bearing components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the bearing unit from rigid to deformable by utilizing elastic deformation. The bearing unit's ability to deform changes the interaction parameters between the clamp mechanism and the tool mounting system, allowing radial loads to be counteracted through controlled deformation rather than direct rigid contact that would damage the bearing unit
3Force
If a tapered portion is separately provided for turning tools to provide taper support, then the radial load can be supported, but specially designed tools are required which prevent tool magazine sharing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the bearing unit serve multiple functions: it acts as both the mounting support for the tool and the radial load bearing element. By integrating the load support function into the bearing unit itself rather than requiring a separate tapered portion on the tool, the system achieves universality where standard tools can be used without special tapered features, enabling tool magazine sharing while still providing adequate radial load support
4Reliability
If a mechanical lock structure is provided to the distal end of the ram to ensure locking, then the locking is secure, but the structure becomes complicated and exchange operations cannot be carried out as easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking function with the clamp mechanism itself. The wedge mechanism that provides clamping force also provides automatic mechanical locking through its self-locking geometry. By combining these functions into a single integrated mechanism rather than adding a separate lock structure to the ram, the system achieves secure locking while maintaining ease of operation and simple tool exchange procedures
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 enables secure clamping and efficient tool exchange with reduced costs and resource usage, as it eliminates the need for hydraulic systems and specialized tools, while preventing bearing unit damage and soil deposits.
Implementation Method 1
the bearing unit 2 is deformed via a rotational clearance by the retraction force applied to the drawbar 7 by the clamping action of the clamp mechanism 8 because the retracted position of the drawbar 7 is maintained in the struck state, and the mounting engagement unit 6 exerts elastic pressure/contact on the tapered shank 5
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an innovative tool mounting device for a turning center in which special manipulation is not required even with a simple configuration, and whereby when a cutting tool is clamped/fixed, the bearing unit is deformed by the retraction force of the drawbar because the cutting tool is supported by the ram, the tapered shank is automatically pressed to the mounting engagement unit in a state in which the cutting tool is supported by the ram, an automatic mechanical lock in a state of dual-surface restraint can be implemented, and the turning tool can be securely clamped/fixed. The tool mounting device for a turning center is configured so that a positioning strike receiving portion (29) is provided to a ram (3) with which the positioning outer surface (28) of a turning tool (1B) makes contact when at least the turning tool (1B) is clamped/fixed, the positioning outer surface (28) strikes the positioning strike receiving portion (29) when a drawbar (7) is retracted, a bearing unit (2) is deformed by the retraction force applied to the drawbar (7) of the clamp mechanism (8) because the retracted position of the drawbar (7) is maintained in the struck state, and the mounting engagement unit 6 exerts elastic pressure/contact on the tapered shank (5).