Turret Utility Routing for Compact Rotating Tool Holders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools with rotating tool holders face challenges in supplying hydraulic and pneumatic utilities due to their complex internal structures and limited space, making it difficult to integrate such systems effectively.
Innovation Solution
A turret apparatus with a docking device and utility paths that supply hydraulic, pneumatic, and coolant lines to both turning and rotating tool holders, minimizing the rearward size and enabling utility delivery through internal connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating tool holder with complex internal structure is used, then the tool holder can perform rotating operations (milling, tapping, etc.), but the internal space becomes insufficient to accommodate hydraulic and pneumatic lines and clamping means
Solution Approach 1:
The utility path is extended from the rearward side of the tool holder to the forward side, utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the tool holder structure. This allows hydraulic and pneumatic lines to be routed through the tool holder body from front to back, effectively using the available internal space in a different dimensional arrangement to accommodate complex utility requirements without increasing the overall tool holder volume.
2Ease of operation
If hydraulic and pneumatic lines are provided at the rearward side of the tool holder, then utilities can be supplied to the tool holder, but the rearward size increases and interferes with the docking device
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending utility paths only from the rearward side of the tool holder, the invention inverts the approach by routing utility paths from the forward side through the tool holder body to the rearward side. This reversal allows the docking device to maintain its position while still providing utility supply, as the lines enter from the front and traverse through the internal structure rather than occupying rearward space.
3Length of stationary object
If the tool holder internal space is reduced, then the rearward size can be minimized, but it becomes impossible to provide complex hydraulic and pneumatic lines and clamping means
Solution Approach 1:
The tool holder structure is merged with the utility path system, where the tool holder body itself serves as the conduit for hydraulic and pneumatic lines. The clamping means, rotating mechanism, and utility paths are integrated into a unified structure where the tool holder wall thickness and internal cavities are designed to accommodate multiple functions simultaneously, reducing the need for separate external utility components.
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 use of hydraulic and pneumatic utilities in rotating tool holders, reducing interference and maximizing space utilization while ensuring seamless utility supply to adjacent tool holders.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic line for supplying and discharging a hydraulic pressure to the clamp cylinder
Implementation Method 2
a first pneumatic line for removing foreign substances disposed in a tool insertion portion
Implementation Method 3
a utility path capable of supplying at least one of utilities including a hydraulic pressure, a pneumatic pressure, and a coolant oil
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Utilities supplied through a first utility path of a turning tool holder via a docking device is supplied to a second utility path of an adjacent rotating tool holder through a communication means, there is no need to provide a complex hydraulic line, a pneumatic line and a coupler for receiving the utilities from the docking device at a rearward side of the rotating tool holder. A rearward size of the rotating tool holder may be minimized, so that even when the rotating tool holder is mounted on the turret, no interference occurs with the docking device in the rearward direction when the turret rotates. As a result, it is possible to use the rotating tool holder, to which utilities supply is necessary, even in the turret which is provide with the docking device.