Angled Machine Head Fixture With Rotatable Locking Collar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine tools without the capability to lock the drive spindle against rotation pose a challenge in mounting angled machine heads, as these heads would be free to rotate with the spindle, preventing effective orientation and machining in tight spaces.
Innovation Solution
A fixture comprising a base, a rotatable collar with arcuate slots for locking the angled machine head in desired rotational positions, and shims for secure fitting, allowing independent drive and orientation of the machine head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an angled machine head is mounted directly on a rotating drive spindle, then the machine head can be positioned for machining operations, but the machine head cannot be securely locked in a fixed rotational position when the spindle is not locked against rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting fixture is divided into separate functional components: a collar that provides rotational positioning, a base that mounts to the spindle, and independent locking mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the collar handles angular indexing while the base handles spindle mounting, resolving the contradiction between positional stability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The collar acts as an intermediary component between the spindle and the angled machine head. It provides the rotational indexing and locking capability that the spindle itself cannot provide, while still allowing the spindle to rotate freely for normal operations. This intermediary resolves the contradiction by adding positional stability without requiring the spindle to be modified
2Reliability
If the drive spindle is locked against rotation to mount an angled machine head, then the machine head can be securely positioned, but the spindle cannot perform its normal driving function
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into a collar-based positioning mechanism that is independent of the spindle's rotational function. The collar can be locked in angular positions without affecting spindle rotation, while the angled machine head is secured to the collar. This allows the spindle to maintain its driving capability while the mounting fixture provides secure positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is designed to be dynamically adjustable - it can rotate freely when adjustment is needed, then be locked in specific angular positions. This dynamic capability allows the mounting system to adapt between different operational states (adjustment mode vs. fixed positioning mode) without compromising either spindle productivity or mounting security
3Manufacturing precision
If a fixture with rotational locking capability is added to mount an angled machine head, then precise orientation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar incorporates arcuate slots with curved geometries that work with the fasteners to provide precise rotational positioning. The curved surfaces guide the locking mechanism into accurate angular positions, achieving manufacturing precision through geometric design rather than complex adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture uses simple, replaceable components such as set screws and shims that can be easily adjusted and replaced. These inexpensive components provide the necessary precision for orientation without requiring complex, expensive mechanisms. The simplicity of these components reduces overall device complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision
Data Source
AI summary
A fixture is used to mount an angled machine head on a machine tool. The fixture includes a base adapted to be mounted on the machine tool, and a collar for holding the angled machine head. The collar is mounted for rotation on the base and allows the angled machine head to be rotated to any of a plurality of rotational positions. The collar may be selectively locked to the base to fix the position of the angled machine head.