Turning Chuck Jaw Locking With Toothed Rack for Fast Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
The set-up time of traditional chucks used in turning machines is high due to the need for manual loosening and tightening of bolts or screws to adjust jaws for different work piece geometries, requiring chip cleaning and multiple manual operations.
Innovation Solution
A chuck design featuring a preloaded locking element with toothing that automatically engages with a toothed rack, allowing for quick locking and release of jaw devices, combined with a lever tool support for reduced effort in positioning, and adaptable jaw inserts for varying work piece geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual loosening and tightening of bolts or screws is used to adjust jaw positions, then the jaw devices can be securely fixed to the base, but the set-up time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is preloaded by a spring in a locking direction towards the toothed rack, so that the jaw device is automatically locked in the locking position without requiring manual tightening operations. This preliminary action eliminates the time-consuming bolt tightening step while maintaining secure fixing.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded locking element automatically engages with the toothed rack to secure the jaw device in position. The system serves itself by automatically locking the jaw device without requiring external manual intervention for tightening, thus reducing set-up time while ensuring reliable fixation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple manual operations (chip cleaning, bolt loosening, jaw movement, bolt tightening) are required to adjust the chuck, then the jaw devices can be repositioned for different work pieces, but the adjustment process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment process is segmented into two independent functions: positioning (moving the jaw device along the slot) and locking (securing the jaw device at the desired position). The locking function is handled automatically by the spring-loaded locking element, while positioning can be done manually or automatically, simplifying the overall adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element acts as an intermediary between the jaw device and the toothed rack. It mediates the connection by automatically engaging with the toothed rack when the jaw device is positioned, eliminating the need for separate manual tightening operations and reducing process complexity.
3Strength
If traditional bolt or screw fastening is used, then the jaw devices can be securely attached, but the effort and time required for loosening and tightening increases
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical fastening system (bolts or screws requiring manual tightening) is replaced with a spring-loaded locking mechanism. The spring provides continuous locking force that automatically secures the jaw device to the toothed rack, eliminating the need for manual tightening while maintaining strong attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking force parameter is changed from a static bolt preload to a dynamic spring force that automatically adjusts to maintain secure attachment. This parameter change enables automatic locking without manual intervention, improving ease of operation while maintaining attachment strength.
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
Significantly reduces set-up time by enabling automatic locking and easy release of jaw devices, allowing for rapid adjustment and secure holding of various work pieces without manual bolt or screw loosening, enhancing efficiency in production.
Implementation Method 1
the locking element is preloaded by means of a spring, in particular a compression spring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a chuck (1) for holding a work piece, in particular a ring, in a turning machine comprising a cylindrical base (2) being configured for attaching said base (2) to said turning machine, wherein the cylindrical base (2) has radially extending slots (3), the chuck (1) further comprising adaptors (4.1,4.2) mounted in said radially extending slots (3), wherein each adaptor (4.1,4.2) has a toothed rack (5.1,5.2) , which extends in parallel to said radially extending slots (3); and jaw devices (9) detachably mounted on said adaptors (4.1,4.2) and radially movable thereon, wherein each jaw device (9) has a locking element (16), the locking element (16) being movable between a locking position and a release position, wherein the locking element (16) is engaging with the toothed rack (5.1,5.2) in the locking position and the locking element (16) is not engaging with the toothed rack (5.1,5.2) in the release position.