Two-Direction Bending Tool Gripper Chain for Compact Magazine Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tool gripper chains can only bend outward, leading to inefficient use of space in tool magazines due to interference between grippers and sprockets, limiting the number of tools that can be mounted in a given area.
Innovation Solution
A tool gripper chain design that allows bending in two directions, featuring gripper blocks with central teeth, rotatable gripper assemblies, arc-shaped outer and inner links, and collars, enabling offset contact surfaces and increased tool capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the chain bends only outward in a convex shape, then the structure is simple, but the occupied space increases and fewer tools can be disposed in a unit area
Solution Approach 1:
The chain is designed to bend in two directions (inward and outward) rather than only outward, effectively utilizing both convex and concave configurations. This dimensional change in bending capability allows the chain to occupy less space while maintaining structural integrity, thereby increasing the number of tools that can be disposed in a unit area of the tool magazine.
2Ease of manufacture
If the chain bends only outward, then the design is straightforward, but grippers interfere with adjacent grippers or sprockets when bending backward
Solution Approach 1:
The chain structure is made dynamically adaptable by enabling it to bend in two directions (inward and outward) depending on operational requirements. This dynamic flexibility allows the chain to adjust its configuration to avoid interference between grippers and with sprockets during backward bending, while maintaining straightforward manufacturing processes for each link type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more kinds of tools are installed to machine various workpiece shapes, then the versatility increases, but the occupied space increases due to the chain bending only outward
Solution Approach 1:
By enabling the chain to bend in two directions (inward and outward), the patent maximizes the use of available space within the tool magazine. This allows for a higher density of tool holders to be arranged in a compact configuration, thereby increasing the variety of tools that can be stored without proportionally increasing the overall magazine volume.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a tool gripper chain bendable in two directions that has a chain assembly that includes: gripper blocks that each have a first tooth at the center of a curved groove; first and second gripper assemblies that have first and second gripper members rotatably mounted on the rear of gripper blocks and grip a tool; first and second outer links that are formed in an arc shape; first and second inner links that are formed in an arc shape and disposed zigzag with respect to first and second outer links between first outer link and second outer link; and first and second collars that are disposed between first inner link and second inner link, in which first gripper assembly is disposed in front of second outer link, second gripper assembly is disposed ahead of second inner ink, and a first shaft hole of first gripper assembly and second shaft hole of second gripper assembly are coaxially arranged, such that first and second gripper assemblies are coupled by a first shaft or a second shaft.