Variable-Length Tool Holder for Fast Shell Cutter Changeover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drilling and stopping machines require tool holders of varying lengths to accommodate different diameter shell cutters, leading to inefficiencies and increased time and effort for operators to change out tool holders during pipeline modifications.
Innovation Solution
A tool holder with an adjustable length mechanism, featuring a main body and extension with a locking mechanism that can be selectively positioned to fix or change the tool holder length, allowing for easy adaptation to different cutting tool sizes without the need for multiple holders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tool holders of different lengths are used to accommodate different diameter shell cutters, then the adaptability to different cutting tool sizes is improved, but the device complexity and operational time increase due to the need to change out tool holders
Solution Approach 1:
The tool holder employs an adjustable length mechanism with a telescopic extension that can be moved between retracted and extended positions. This dynamic adjustment allows a single tool holder to accommodate multiple shell cutter diameters without requiring physical replacement of the entire tool holder assembly, thereby reducing operational time while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool holder is designed as a universal device that can hold various sizes of shell cutters through its adjustable length capability. By incorporating a telescopic extension and locking mechanism, one tool holder performs the function of multiple fixed-length holders, eliminating the need for operators to change out different holders for different cutter sizes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tool holders of different lengths are used to accommodate different diameter shell cutters, then the adaptability to different cutting tool sizes is improved, but the device complexity increases due to having multiple holders
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functionality of multiple fixed-length tool holders into a single adjustable tool holder. By combining the main body, telescopic extension, and locking mechanism into one integrated assembly, the system reduces the number of separate components from multiple holders to one holder with variable length capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool holder is designed as a universal device that can hold various sizes of shell cutters through its adjustable length capability. By incorporating a telescopic extension and locking mechanism, one tool holder performs the function of multiple fixed-length holders, eliminating the need for operators to change out different holders for different cutter sizes.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool holder includes a main body defining a mounting end and a receiving end, the mounting end positioned opposite from the receiving end, the main body defining a main body bore extending into the receiving end toward the mounting end; an extension defining a tool head attached to a rod, the tool head defining a tool head end opposite from the rod, a tool holder length defined between the mounting end and the tool head end, the tool head configured to receive at least one cutting tool, the rod received within the main body bore; and a locking mechanism engaging the extension and the main body in a locked position, the locking mechanism being disengaged from either the main body or the extension in an unlocked position, the locking mechanism being selectively positionable about and between the locked position and the unlocked position.