Adjustable Tool Post Orientation for Lathe Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional combination machining lathes are limited in their ability to adjust the in-feed direction of the tool post, leading to reduced machining accuracy due to workpiece flexure under gravity, and require multiple tool mount portions for different orientations, resulting in an oversized tool post.
Innovation Solution
A combination machining lathe with a tool post and workpiece holding device capable of movement in three directions (X, Y, Z axes) and a controller that indexes the tool to optimize the bit's longitudinal axis orientation, allowing for adjustable in-feed directions without the need for multiple tool mount portions, and an optional tool exchanger or turret for tool changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the tool post is fed in upward/downward direction to perform turning operation, then the machining can be performed, but the flexure of the workpiece caused by gravity greatly affects the machining accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the tool holder orientation adjustable. The tool holder can be rotated to change its longitudinal axis orientation from vertical to horizontal or intermediate angles, allowing the cutting tool to approach the workpiece from different directions. This dynamic reconfiguration enables selection of optimal cutting directions that minimize workpiece flexure under gravity while maintaining machining capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tool mount portions are provided in the tool post for holding tools in different directions, then the in-feed direction can be changed according to conditions, but the tool post becomes oversized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single tool mount portion that can accommodate tools with different orientation requirements. The tool holder is made rotatable, allowing one mounting location to serve multiple functions by changing the tool's angular position. This eliminates the need for separate tool mount portions for different directions, maintaining adaptability while reducing tool post size.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool holder incorporates rotational capability, making it dynamic rather than fixed. This allows the same physical mount portion to present the cutting tool in various orientations (vertical, horizontal, or intermediate angles) depending on the machining requirements, providing directional versatility without requiring multiple static mounting locations.
Data Source
AI summary
In a combination machining lathe, a workpiece holding device holds a workpiece in a manner that permits the workpiece to rotate around an axis parallel to a direction of a horizontal Z axis. A tool post holds a tool that comprises a holder and a bit. The tool held by the tool post is indexed to a position in which the longitudinal axis of the holder is parallel to an X axis direction. The bit of the tool held by the tool post is angled such that a longitudinal axis of the bit is disposed in a position tilted away from the X axis direction closer to a horizontal axis in a plane containing the X axis and the Y axis. A turning operation is performed while the tool and/or the workpiece are moved relative to each other in a direction of the longitudinal axis of the bit.