Machine Tool Damper Alignment for Non-Parallel Vibration Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine tools with vibration dampers oriented parallel to side faces are not effective in damping vibrations that are not parallel to these surfaces, leading to suboptimal performance.

Innovation Solution

The machine tool design includes vibration dampers oriented such that their damping directions are neither parallel nor parallel to the side surfaces, with the option to adjust their orientation, allowing for decoupling and enhanced damping behavior through active vibration damping, and the ability to operate with or without the dampers based on application needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If vibration dampers are oriented parallel to the side faces, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but vibrations that are not parallel to these surfaces cannot be effectively damped

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedampener orientationVSAvoidvibration damping effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the vibration dampers adjustable in orientation rather than fixed. The dampers can be positioned at different angles relative to the side faces, allowing the system to adapt to various vibration directions. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by enabling effective damping of non-parallel vibrations while maintaining a relatively simple structural implementation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If vibration dampers are oriented neither parallel to side surfaces, then non-parallel vibrations can be damped effectively, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration damping effectivenessVSAvoiddampener orientation configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the orientation angle parameter of the vibration dampers. Instead of using complex multi-axis dampers, the solution changes the angular parameter of simple damper units to match the vibration direction. This allows effective damping of non-parallel vibrations while keeping the damper structure itself simple, thus resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This configuration enables effective damping of non-parallel vibrations, improving machine tool performance by allowing for adjustable orientations and efficient operation with or without the vibration dampers, depending on the specific application.

Implementation Method 1

a first and a second vibration damper, by means of which a vibration of the first machine element propagating in a respective vibration direction can be damped

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3708295B1Machine tool with optimised orientation of vibration dampers
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 SIEMENS AG
  • EP3708295B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3708295B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3708295B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A machine tool comprises at least a first and a second machine element (6, 2). The first machine element (6) is guided in a guide of the second machine element (2) and can be moved in a position-controlled manner in a travel direction (z) by means of a drive (4) of the machine tool within the guide of the second machine element (2). The first machine element (6) has a first and a second side surface (11, 12) that are parallel to the travel direction (z) and orthogonal to each other. The machine tool comprises a first and a second vibration damper (13, 14), by means of which a vibration of the first machine element (6) propagating in a respective vibration direction (F1, F2) can be damped. The vibration directions (F1, F2) are oriented orthogonal to the travel direction (z).The first vibration damper (13) and/or the second vibration damper (14) are oriented such that the direction of vibration (F1, F2) of the vibration that can be damped by means of the first or second vibration damper (13, 14) alone is neither parallel to the first nor parallel to the second side surface (11, 12).