Workpiece Collet Assembly for Automated Milling Chuck Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional workpiece setup and positioning methods in milling machines are time-consuming and labor-intensive, leading to increased costs due to manual alignment and placement of workpieces in chucks, which affects machining efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A collet assembly with resilient fingers and a piston assembly that allows for automatic loading and clamping of workpieces onto a milling machine chuck, utilizing a robotic arm for precise alignment and mounting, and a method involving a collet with deflectable fingers and a mandrel for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual workpiece setup and positioning methods are used, then operators can place and align workpieces in chucks, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece setup and positioningVSAvoidmachining cycle time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The collet is pre-loaded with the workpiece outside the chuck using a loading device that positions the workpiece on the collet's support surface. This preliminary positioning action occurs before the collet is inserted into the chuck, eliminating the need for manual alignment during the machining cycle and reducing overall setup time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The collet serves as an intermediary device between the workpiece and the chuck. It provides a standardized interface that simplifies workpiece loading and positioning. The collet's support surface and clamping fingers work together to securely hold the workpiece, transferring the positioning function from manual operator action to a mechanical intermediary system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual alignment and placement of workpieces is performed, then precise positioning can be achieved, but labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece alignment precisionVSAvoidlabor cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The collet assembly performs self-alignment through its geometric features. The support surface on the collet and the corresponding recess in the workpiece create a self-centering mechanism that automatically aligns the workpiece during loading. The clamping fingers are positioned to engage the workpiece at optimal locations, providing precise positioning without requiring skilled manual alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The loading device pre-positions the workpiece on the collet's support surface before the collet enters the chuck. This preliminary positioning action ensures correct alignment is established early in the process, eliminating the need for costly manual alignment operations and reducing labor requirements while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If conventional chuck clamping is used, then workpieces can be held during machining, but setup time increases due to manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece clampingVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical clamping process is replaced with an automated loading device that uses a plunger or similar mechanism to push the workpiece onto the collet. This mechanical substitution automates the previously manual operation of placing and securing the workpiece, maintaining reliable clamping while dramatically reducing setup time and eliminating the need for manual intervention during the machining cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Facilitates efficient and automated workpiece mounting, reducing labor costs and increasing machining efficiency by enabling precise alignment and secure clamping of workpieces without manual intervention.

Implementation Method 1

a collet comprising resilient fingers applying a clamping force affixing the collet to the workpiece

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a piston assembly having a mandrel movable between a retracted position to an extended position to move the fingers from the clamping position to non-clamping position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic press: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS20250319533A1Collet and assembly for mounting a workpiece to a milling machine

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 BOERSMA DREW

AI summary

A milling machine can include a chuck and at least one tool. The chuck is rotatable about a first rotational axis and has clamping jaws. The at least one tool is movable relative to the first rotational axis. An assembly for the milling machine includes a workpiece and a collet. The collet includes fingers affixing the collet to the workpiece. The collet also includes a chuck mount receivable within the chuck. The chuck is rotatable about a first rotational axis and has clamping jaws. The at least one tool is movable relative to the first rotational axis. An assembly for the milling machine includes a workpiece and a collet. The collet includes fingers affixing the collet to the workpiece. The collet also includes a chuck mount receivable within the chuck.