Tool Securing Device Draw Bar Clamping Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for securing tools to machine spindles are time-consuming and require additional tools for tightening, loosening, and removal, leading to increased machine downtime.
Innovation Solution
A tool securing device that uses a distal retention mechanism gripped by a machine draw bar and radially extending balls to clamp and release tools without the need for additional tools, allowing tool-less operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded clamping bolts are used to secure a tool to a spindle, then the tool can be firmly attached, but additional tools are required for tightening and loosening operations which increases machine downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The tool securing device incorporates a self-clamping mechanism where the draw bar directly engages with the securing device body through distal means, eliminating the need for separate tightening tools. The mechanism automatically clamps the tool when the draw bar is advanced, and releases when the draw bar is retracted, enabling tool-less operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes the need for external tightening and loosening tools by integrating the clamping function directly into the draw bar mechanism. The distal means on the securing device body provides direct engagement with the draw bar, extracting the intermediary tool requirement from the process.
2Ease of operation
If hand-held or pneumatic tools are used to tighten and loosen clamping bolts, then the bolts can be secured or released, but the operation becomes time-consuming and requires additional tools
Solution Approach 1:
The securing device performs its own tightening and loosening functions through direct engagement with the draw bar. The distal means on the device body couples with the draw bar to automatically execute clamping when advanced and release when retracted, making the device self-sufficient without external tool assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of tool holding, tightening, and loosening into a single integrated mechanism. The draw bar and securing device work as a unified system where the same mechanical action (draw bar advancement or retraction) simultaneously performs both clamping and releasing functions.
3Ease of operation
If back-off screws are used to break contact between the tool and spindle, then tool removal is enabled, but the process requires additional tools and increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the back-off screw component entirely from the system. The distal means on the securing device body provides direct coupling with the draw bar, allowing the draw bar itself to perform the tool release function without requiring separate back-off screws or additional loosening tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The draw bar is given multiple functions: it serves as both the clamping force application mechanism and the tool release mechanism. By making the draw bar universal, the invention eliminates the need for specialized back-off screws, reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall system.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A tool securing device (2) capable of clamping a tool to a machine spindle as well as assisting in the removal of a tool from a machine spindle, all in a tool-less manner. The tool securing device includes distal means (10) to be releasably gripped by a machine draw bar as well as means (6) to releasably engage a tool.