Interchangeable Tool Sleeve with Spring-Loaded Locking Pin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for holding tool inserts are complex, expensive, and unable to accommodate different tool inserts with varying shank diameters, limiting their versatility and ease of use in assembly workstations.
Innovation Solution
A device with interchangeable sleeves of the same outer diameter but different inner diameters, secured by a spring-loaded locking and clamping pin, allows for easy adaptation to various tool inserts, and incorporates a light barrier for tool presence detection and visual marking using LEDs to ensure correct tool usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a device is designed to accommodate different tool inserts with varying shank diameters, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to requiring multiple configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components: a housing with openings, interchangeable sleeves for different shank diameters, and spring-loaded locking/clamping pins. Each component can be independently selected and replaced, allowing adaptability without redesigning the entire device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing with standardized openings and the spring-loaded locking/clamping mechanism serve multiple functions: they can accommodate different sleeve types for various shank diameters, provide both locking and clamping actions, and support tool insert changes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized device configurations.
2Loss of information
If LCD displays are added to mark different tool inserts, then the information display capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of expensive, complex LCD displays, the patent uses simple, inexpensive LED indicators that can be easily replaced. The LEDs provide sufficient visual marking information for tool insert identification without the complexity and cost of liquid crystal display technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex LCD display system is extracted and replaced with a simpler marking system using LEDs. This extraction removes the unnecessary complexity while retaining the essential function of visual identification for different tool inserts.
3Reliability
If multiple separate locking and clamping mechanisms are provided, then the reliability of tool insert retention is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism and clamping mechanism are merged into a single spring-loaded pin component. This pin simultaneously performs both locking (preventing sleeve removal) and clamping (securing tool insert in sleeve) functions, reducing component count while maintaining reliability through the dual-action spring mechanism.
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 reliable and cost-effective storage and retrieval of different tool inserts, simplifies tool changes, and prevents incorrect tool removals through automatic detection and visual feedback, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing errors.
Implementation Method 1
spring-loaded locking and clamping pin
Implementation Method 2
light barrier for tool presence detection
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The device has a housing (1) provided with apertures (3) in which sleeves (4) are provided, where the sleeves are held by a locking device, and a tool insert (7) is held in the sleeve by a clamping device. The sleeves have equal outer diameters and different internal diameters. The locking and clamping devices are provided with spring-loaded locking and clamping pins (5), where the pins are manually actuated. Length of a part of the pins with reduced diameter is greater than depth of a hole of the sleeve with an axle-near minor diameter.