Two-Part Chuck Jaw Geometry for Repeatable CNC Re-Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The positioning and reconfiguration of chuck jaws in CNC machines are time-consuming and prone to errors, especially when loosening and reclamping workpieces or switching between different workpieces, requiring frequent recalibration and replacement of wear-prone clamping chuck jaw parts.
Innovation Solution
A chuck jaw design comprising a backing chuck jaw part made from harder metal and a clamping chuck jaw part made from a softer metal, with a convex and concave structure that permanently deforms upon engagement, allowing for predictable and precise clamping geometry without the need for recalibration, enabling efficient reconfiguration and reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the clamping chuck jaw part is made from a softer metal material to reduce wear, then the wear resistance improves, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates due to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The chuck jaw is divided into two separate parts: a harder backing chuck jaw part that provides structural support and positioning, and a softer clamping chuck jaw part that contacts the workpiece. This segmentation allows each part to have optimized properties for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
Different material properties are applied to different parts of the chuck jaw assembly. The backing part uses harder material for dimensional stability, while the clamping part uses softer material for wear resistance. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between wear resistance and positioning accuracy.
2Manufacturing precision
If the clamping chuck jaw part is replaced frequently to maintain clamping quality, then the clamping quality improves, but the time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The convex structure is pre-formed on the backing chuck jaw part during manufacturing. When the clamping chuck jaw part is installed, this pre-formed convex structure automatically creates the correct clamping geometry through permanent deformation, eliminating the need for time-consuming calibration or adjustment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration through the permanent deformation mechanism. The convex structure automatically imparts the correct geometry to the clamping chuck jaw part upon installation, without requiring external calibration tools or procedures, thus reducing time consumption.
3Manufacturing precision
If the convex structure permanently deforms the concave structure upon engagement, then the positioning accuracy improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The material hardness parameters are specifically selected so that the backing part is harder than the clamping part. This parameter differentiation enables the permanent deformation mechanism to work effectively, creating accurate clamping geometry through a relatively simple engagement process rather than complex manufacturing.
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 accurate and repeatable clamping geometry, reducing the need for recalibration and minimizing errors, while allowing for easy reinstallation and use with different workpieces, enhancing operational efficiency and precision.
Implementation Method 1
the respective concave structure is permanently deformed by the corresponding convex structure of the respective backing chuck jaw part
Data Source
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AI summary
Backing and clamping chuck jaw part (110, 120), respectively, arranged to engage with each other such that respective contact surfaces(113, 123) a rearranged to come into contact with each other so as to together form a chuck jaw (100) for a chuck (10). The invention is characterised in that the backing chuck jaw part is manufactured from a harder metal material than a metal material from which the clamping chuck jaw part is manufactured, in that a the backing chuck jaw part comprises a convex structure (126), and in that the convex structure is arranged to engage with a corresponding concave structure (116) of the clamping chuck jaw part so that the said concave structure is permanently de- formed as a result of an engagement between said structures resulting from the chuck jaw parts first being arranged in a contacting orientation and thereafter being pressed together into an engagement orientation, in which contact is established between said contact surfaces. The invention also relates to a chuck jaw, a chuck and a method.