Tool Tensioning Coupling With Planetary Gear Torque Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional clamping devices require high torque from users to apply axial clamping force to tools on spindles, leading to user fatigue and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A clamping device with a planetary gear translation system that reduces the required torque for applying axial clamping force, utilizing a torque coupling with a hollow bush and a slip clutch mechanism to facilitate easy operation and adjustable torque transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a conventional nut and lever clamping mechanism is used, then the tool can be axially clamped on the spindle journal, but the user must exert very high torque (80-100 Nm) to generate the necessary axial clamping force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial clamping forceVSAvoidtorque required by user
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A planetary gear transmission is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the user's manual input and the nut clamping mechanism. The transmission gear unit with planetary gears acts as a mediator that converts small input torque into large output torque, enabling the nut to generate high axial clamping force while the user only needs to apply minimal torque (approximately 2 Nm) through the handwheel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the torque parameter through the planetary gear transmission system. The transmission provides a high gear ratio that transforms the torque parameter from the input side (handwheel) to the output side (nut), allowing the same clamping function to be achieved with dramatically reduced user effort. The slip clutch also dynamically changes the torque transmission parameter by disengaging when the preset clamping force is reached.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If high clamping force is applied to securely clamp the tool, then the tool is firmly fixed, but excessive clamping force may damage the tool or spindle journal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure clamping of toolVSAvoidexcessive clamping force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The slip clutch mechanism provides feedback control for the clamping force. It is preset to disengage when a specific torque threshold is reached, which corresponds to the optimal clamping force. As the user turns the handwheel, the slip clutch transmits torque to the nut until the preset force is achieved, at which point the slip clutch slips and prevents further torque transmission. This feedback mechanism ensures the tool is securely clamped without applying excessive force that could cause damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The slip clutch automatically regulates the clamping force without requiring user intervention or monitoring. Once the preset torque limit is reached, the slip clutch self-activates by slipping, thereby self-regulating the clamping force to prevent damage. This self-service feature eliminates the need for the user to estimate or control the clamping force manually.

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

Enables the application of high axial clamping force with significantly reduced user effort, requiring only about 2 Nm of torque instead of the conventional 80-100 Nm, while allowing for precise adjustment of clamping force and easy handling.

Implementation Method 1

The transmission is advantageously a planetary gear unit, which is not only compact but also allows for a very high gear ratio, for example, around 1:50

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlanetary gear mechanism: Epicyclic Gearing

Implementation Method 2

A guide bushing (52) is inserted through each of the openings (50, 51). The guide bushings (52) are guided by a pressure bolt (53), which rests against the inner wall of the guide bushing (52) and is subjected to a radial inward force from at least one compression spring (54)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3279492B1Tensioning device for tools
Publication Date: 2021.11.17 MICHAEL WEINIG AG
  • EP3279492B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3279492B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3279492B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The clamping device is designed for tools (2) and has a coupling piece (28) equipped with at least one actuating unit (37). The coupling piece (28) actuates a nut (4) mounted on a spindle pin (1) that receives the tool (2). A torque coupling is provided for the nut. The coupling piece (28) is rotationally fixed to an output shaft (21), which is driven via a transmission (17) into a drive shaft (20). Due to the transmission (17), the drive shaft (20) only needs to be rotated with a small torque to generate the high clamping force required for the axial clamping of the tool (2).