Tool Positioning Mechanism with Elastic Pivot for Precision Holding

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tool handling mechanisms during machining processes lack efficient and reliable methods for positioning and holding tools, particularly in ensuring secure attachment and easy detachment, which can lead to tool misalignment and reduced precision.

Innovation Solution

A tool positioning and holding mechanism comprising a mounting frame, a feed member, a tool support, a positioning member, an elastic member, and a blocking member, where the feed member is slidably mounted on the frame, allowing the positioning member to pivot and rotate under elastic force to securely position and hold the tool, facilitating easy detachment and repositioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a traditional tool holding mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the tool positioning precision and secure attachment are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool positioning precisionVSAvoidmechanism structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning member is designed to rotate between a locked position (engaging with the blocking member) and an unlocked position, transforming a static holding mechanism into a dynamic one that provides both secure attachment and easy release. This rotational movement enables precise tool positioning while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member acts as an intermediary that stores and releases mechanical energy to drive the positioning member between locked and unlocked states. This intermediary component enables the tool to be securely held during machining while allowing quick release when needed, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and easy detachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a secure tool attachment mechanism is implemented, then tool holding reliability improves, but tool detachment becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool holding reliabilityVSAvoidtool detachment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking member is pre-positioned to engage with the positioning member, creating a preliminary locking action that secures the tool during machining. When detachment is needed, the feed member moves to disengage the blocking member, allowing the elastic member to automatically rotate the positioning member to the unlocked state. This preliminary locking followed by automatic release resolves the contradiction between secure holding and easy detachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member stores potential energy when the positioning member is in the locked position and automatically releases this energy to rotate the positioning member to the unlocked position when the blocking member is disengaged. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional actuators or complex release mechanisms, enabling both reliable holding and easy tool detachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If tool positioning precision is enhanced, then machining accuracy improves, but the time for tool attachment and adjustment increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining accuracyVSAvoidtool attachment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning member is pre-configured with engagement features that automatically align with the blocking member when the tool is inserted. The elastic member is pre-loaded to provide immediate locking action, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or alignment procedures. This preliminary configuration enables both high positioning precision and rapid tool attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism uses the feed member's movement to automatically disengage the blocking member, which then allows the elastic member to self-actuate the positioning member into the correct position. This self-service operation eliminates manual intervention for tool positioning, achieving both high precision and quick tool changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 mechanism ensures precise and secure tool positioning, reducing misalignment and improving machining precision by allowing for easy tool attachment and detachment, while enabling the tool to be accurately repositioned using the elastic force, enhancing overall machining efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the positioning member can be configured to rotate under an elastic force of the elastic member to position the tool

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3012063B1Tool positioning and holding mechanism
Publication Date: 2018.02.21 HONGZHUN PRECISION MOLD KUNSHAN
  • EP3012063B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3012063B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3012063B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A tool positioning and holding mechanism includes a mounting frame, a feed member, a tool support, a positioning member, an elastic member, and a blocking member. The feed member is slidably mounted on the mounting frame. The tool support is fixed on the feed member and defines a receiving hole to receive the tool. The positioning member is pivotally coupled to the tool support and partially received in the tool support. The elastic member is located between the positioning member and the tool support. The blocking member is fixed on the mounting frame and includes a pushing portion configured to resist the positioning member. The feed member can move the positioning member to allow detachment of the positioning member from the pushing portion, and upon detachment of the positioning member, the positioning member is configured to rotate under an elastic force of the elastic member to position the tool.