Additive Head Cable Routing to Prevent Spindle Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
In processing machines, the additive-manufacturing head's movement within the processing area 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.
Innovation Solution
The processing machine design includes a splash guard and a tool spindle that moves in multiple axes, with the line body routing intersecting the axial direction of the first axis, reducing its overall length and using a support mechanism to prevent deflection, and a tension applying mechanism to maintain the line body's stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the cable is drawn from the inside to the outside of the processing area in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the first axis, then the cable routing is simple, but the overall length of the cable becomes longer causing deflection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the cable routing from a single-axis parallel direction to an intersecting direction that combines both axial and radial components. This dimensional change in routing path reduces the effective cable length extending into the processing area while maintaining routing simplicity through structured guidance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the additive-manufacturing head moves within the processing area, then the processing flexibility is improved, but the cable deflects due to its own weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cable guide mechanism as an intermediary component that mediates between the moving additive-manufacturing head and the fixed cable supply. This guide structure constrains cable movement and prevents deflection while allowing the head to move freely within the processing area.
3Area of stationary object
If the cable is made longer to accommodate the movement range, then the coverage area is increased, but the cable deflects greatly by its own weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cable system into multiple sections: a fixed external portion and a controlled internal portion guided through the processing area. This segmentation allows the cable to reach the full movement range while the guided section maintains stability and prevents deflection.
Data Source
AI summary
A processing machine includes a splash guard that defines and forms a processing area, a tool spindle that is movable in a Z-axis direction and a Y-axis direction inside the processing area, an additive-manufacturing head connected to the tool spindle, and a line body that extends from the additive-manufacturing head, is drawn from an inside of the processing area to an outside, and supplies material powder and a laser beam to the additive-manufacturing head. A maximum movement amount of the tool spindle in the Y-axis direction is shorter than a maximum movement amount of the tool spindle in the Z-axis direction. A drawing direction of the line body from the inside to the outside of the processing area is a direction intersecting the Z-axis direction in top view.