Additive Head Cable Layout to Prevent Spindle Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
In processing machines, the additive-manufacturing head's movement causes the cable supplying material powder and laser beams to deflect due to its length and weight, potentially interfering with the workpiece and tool spindle, especially when the cable path is parallel to the additive-manufacturing head's movement axis.
Innovation Solution
The processing machine design includes a splash guard and a tool spindle that moves in both horizontal axes, with the cable path intersecting the axial direction of the first axis, reducing overall cable length and using a support mechanism with tension to prevent deflection, and guide mechanisms to manage the cable's path and load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the cable is drawn parallel to the additive-manufacturing head's movement axis, then the cable path is simple, but the cable deflects due to its length and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The cable drawing direction is changed from being parallel to the first axis (Z-axis) to intersecting the first axis by extending in the second axis (Y-axis) direction. This dimensional change in the cable's spatial configuration reduces the cable's projection length in the processing area, thereby minimizing deflection caused by its own weight while maintaining a relatively simple path configuration.
2Reliability
If the cable extends longer in the processing area, then it reaches the additive-manufacturing head during full movement, but it deflects greatly due to its own weight
Solution Approach 1:
By extending the cable drawing direction along the second axis (Y-axis) rather than parallel to the first axis (Z-axis), the cable's effective length within the processing area is reduced. This dimensional reorientation ensures adequate cable reach for full tool spindle movement while minimizing deflection by reducing the cable's horizontal span in the primary movement direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable's spatial parameters are optimized by changing its drawing direction to intersect the first axis. This parameter change in the cable's geometric configuration reduces the cable length extending in the processing area, thereby reducing deflection while maintaining sufficient reach for the additive-manufacturing head's movement range.
3Ease of manufacture
If the cable path is parallel to the first axis, then the layout is straightforward, but the cable may interfere with the workpiece and tool spindle
Solution Approach 1:
The cable path is reconfigured to extend in the second axis (Y-axis) direction, intersecting the first axis (Z-axis), rather than running parallel to it. This dimensional change in the cable's spatial arrangement creates better clearance between the cable and the workpiece/tool spindle in the primary processing zone, reducing interference risks while maintaining a straightforward layout approach.
Data Source
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AI summary
A processing machine includes a splash guard that defines and forms a processing area (110), a tool spindle (121) that is movable in a Z-axis direction and a Y-axis direction inside the processing area (110), an additive-manufacturing head (131) connected to the tool spindle (121), and a line body (210) that extends from the additive-manufacturing head (131), is drawn from an inside of the processing area (110) to an outside, and supplies material powder and a laser beam to the additive-manufacturing head (131). A maximum movement amount of the tool spindle (121) in the Y-axis direction is shorter than a maximum movement amount of the tool spindle (121) in the Z-axis direction. A drawing direction of the line body (210) from the inside to the outside of the processing area (110) is a direction intersecting the Z-axis direction in top view.