Toolholder Assembly Lock Rod with Compression Void
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toolholder assemblies for metal working operations face challenges with clamping force degradation due to component wear and lack of adjustment in the locked position, often requiring specific activation tools or large spring packs, which are not adaptable to variations in manufacturing and usage.
Innovation Solution
A toolholder assembly with a rotatable lock rod featuring compression voids, ramping surfaces, and recesses that allow for adjustable clamping force through radial movement of locking members, reducing stiffness and eliminating the need for additional components like springs, enabling secure attachment and detachment without the need for specific activation tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a screw mechanism is used to clamp the toolholder, then the clamping force can be adjusted, but a specific activation tool (torque wrench) is required and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex screw mechanism and torque wrench requirement by extracting the clamping function into a simpler lever-based system. The lock rod with locking members directly engages with the toolholder shank through locking apertures, eliminating the need for rotational screw threads and specialized activation tools.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a screw mechanism that requires rotational motion to generate clamping force, the patent inverts the approach by using a leveraged linear motion system. The lock rod moves linearly and uses locking members that engage with ramp surfaces on the toolholder, converting small linear movements into significant clamping force through mechanical advantage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a spring arrangement is used to maintain clamping force, then allowable variation in clamped position increases, but the spring pack size becomes large and is an issue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static spring pack with a dynamic locking system where the lock rod can be actively positioned and locked at various locations along the toolholder shank. The locking members engage with multiple locking apertures at different positions, providing adaptability without requiring a large volume spring mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of clamping force application from a continuous spring force to discrete locked positions. By engaging locking members with specific locking apertures at different locations, the system provides position variation tolerance through selectable discrete positions rather than continuous spring compression.
3Force
If traditional clamping mechanisms are used, then initial clamping force is sufficient, but clamping force decreases over time due to component wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates compliance elements and ramp surfaces that provide a cushioning effect before full locking engagement. The ramp surfaces on the toolholder shank allow for gradual engagement of the locking members, distributing the loading and compensating for wear over time while maintaining consistent clamping force.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking members are designed to self-adjust and self-lock into the locking apertures. The ramp surfaces and compliance elements allow the system to automatically compensate for wear and maintain clamping force without requiring external adjustment or replacement, making the system self-servicing over its operational life.
4Strength
If locking members are made rigid for strong locking, then locking force is sufficient, but the system becomes sensitive to manufacturing variations and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different local qualities to different parts of the locking system. The locking members themselves are rigid for strong locking, while the ramp surfaces and engagement interfaces incorporate compliance and tolerance compensation. This allows strong locking force where needed while being forgiving of manufacturing variations at the engagement interfaces.
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
The solution provides consistent clamping force across the toolholder assembly, reducing sensitivity to manufacturing variations and wear, allowing for easy adjustment and secure locking/unlocking without additional components, thus enhancing the toolholder's usability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
first and second ramping surfaces configured on opposing sides of the compression void
Implementation Method 2
first and second ramping surfaces configured on opposing sides of the compression void
Implementation Method 3
a compression void formed therein; first and second ramping surfaces configured on opposing sides of the compression void
Implementation Method 4
reducing stiffness and eliminating the need for additional components like springs
Data Source
AI summary
A toolholder assembly includes a toolholder having a rearwardly facing toolholder shank, a base member having a bore configured for receiving the toolholder shank, a canister configured for receipt in the bore of the base member, a lock rod with an axial forward and an axial rearward end, wherein the axial forward end of the lock rod includes a compression void such as a compression aperture or compression slot formed therethrough, and at least one locking member in communication with the axial forward end of the lock rod.