Adjustable Machine Tool Frame for Long-Stroke Wood Milling
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Solution Overview
Problem
State-of-the-art machine tools for machining wood and other materials have limited travel strokes and lack flexibility in modifying their maximum stroke, necessitating costly modifications or replacements when dealing with large pieces.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool structure with a frame, support columns, and translational drive elements, including electric cylinders and stabilizing means, allows for adjustable cutting height and wide stroke adjustments without requiring significant structural changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional lifting columns with fixed stroke are used, then the machine tool structure is simple and stable, but the maximum stroke cannot be adjusted for large pieces of wood
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic adjustable system. The tool-carrying apron can be positioned at multiple heights along the support columns, and the stroke can be extended by adding intermediate support elements. This allows the machine to adapt to different workpiece sizes while maintaining structural stability through controlled dynamic adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting mechanism is divided into segmented sections along the support columns. Instead of a single fixed-stroke column, the system uses multiple adjustable support points that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the stroke to be extended in discrete increments by engaging additional support sections, enabling adaptation to large pieces without requiring complete structural replacement.
2Length of moving object
If lifting columns with large travel strokes are used, then large pieces of wood can be machined, but the machine tool structure becomes unstable and noisy
Solution Approach 1:
Stability is enhanced locally at each support point rather than requiring uniform reinforcement throughout the entire structure. The stabilizing means are positioned at specific locations along the support columns where they provide localized bracing and reduction of lateral movement. This allows large travel strokes while maintaining stability at each discrete support level.
Solution Approach 2:
Stabilizing means act as intermediary elements between the tool-carrying apron and the support columns. These intermediaries provide additional support and reduce the direct load and instability on the main lifting columns. The stabilizing means include elements such as guide rails, brake mechanisms, or additional support columns that mediate the interaction between the moving apron and the fixed structure, reducing noise and vibration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If machine tool is modified to increase maximum stroke, then large pieces can be machined, but substantial cost and downtime are required
Solution Approach 1:
The machine tool is designed with pre-configured support columns and stabilizing means that are ready for engagement before large pieces need to be machined. The intermediate support elements and adjustment mechanisms are installed in advance as part of the standard structure, allowing quick activation rather than requiring substantial modification when the need arises. This preliminary preparation enables rapid adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support columns and stabilizing means are designed to serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for normal operation, enable stroke extension for large pieces, and offer stabilization during high-speed cutting. This multi-functionality allows a single structural configuration to handle both routine machining and special large-piece operations without requiring separate modification processes.
4Productivity
If high cutting speeds are used, then productivity increases, but geometric quality and surface finish deteriorate due to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes controlled mechanical vibration through the stabilizing means and support structure to counteract harmful vibrations during high-speed cutting. The stabilizing elements are designed to provide damping and vibration absorption at critical frequencies, allowing the tool to maintain geometric accuracy even at high cutting speeds. The brake mechanisms and guide rails create controlled friction that dampens unwanted vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing means convert the potentially harmful vibrations and lateral forces generated during high-speed cutting into beneficial stabilizing forces. The brake mechanisms and guide rail interactions transform harmful vibrational energy into controlled frictional forces that actually improve surface finish. The structural flexibility of the adjustable support system allows it to absorb and redirect cutting forces in a way that maintains precision.
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
Enables machining of large wood pieces with consistent geometric quality, reduces noise and vibration, and facilitates easy adaptation to different sizes and configurations without substantial cost or downtime.
Implementation Method 1
The linear movement of the carriages is ensured by the rotation of two worm screws (160) extending respectively between the upper frame (13) and the support base (11)
Implementation Method 2
The worm gears (160) are driven in rotation by angle gearboxes (161) arranged on the upper frame (13) and connected to each other by drive shafts (162), themselves connected to an output shaft of an electric motor
Implementation Method 3
said electric cylinders further comprising each a carriage (163) cooperating with the worm screw (160) by a helical link
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a machine-tool structure (10), in particular for milling wooden parts, comprising a frame including: - a bearing plate (11), - a work table (12) resting on said plate and over which the pieces of wood to be milled are intended to be conveyed, - an upper frame (13), - support columns (14) positioned between the bearing plate (11) and the upper frame (13), the machine-tool structure (10) further comprising a tool-holder apron (15) connected to translational drive members (16) positioned between said upper frame (13) and the bearing plate (11) and configured to slidably drive the tool-holder apron (15) between the work table and the upper frame (13).