Asymmetric Cam Rotary Indexing Table for Lower Drive Power
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Rotary indexing tables require high drive power due to internal friction and torque requirements, which is not energy-efficient for workpiece transport.
Innovation Solution
The cam drum's drive-effective section is arranged asymmetrically relative to the output flange's axis of rotation, and the output flange is mounted using a low-friction slewing ring, such as a four-point bearing, to maximize effective lever arm length and reduce internal friction and torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the cam drum is arranged symmetrically with respect to the output flange axis, then the structure is simple and balanced, but the effective lever arm length is reduced and drive power requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam drum is arranged asymmetrically with respect to the output flange axis, specifically offset by 10-20% of the cam drum radius. This asymmetric positioning increases the effective lever arm length during the driving phase, thereby reducing the required drive force and internal friction, which directly addresses the power consumption issue without requiring complex additional components
2Power
If conventional axial and radial bearings are used to support the output flange, then the bearing structure is robust, but the bearing friction is high and drive power requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional combination of axial and radial bearings with a ball slewing ring bearing. This substitution reduces bearing friction significantly because the ball slewing ring uses point contact ball elements that roll between the outer ring and inner race, converting sliding friction to rolling friction, thereby reducing the torque required to rotate the output flange while maintaining structural reliability
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 minimizes the required drive power by reducing internal friction and torque, making the rotary indexing table more energy-efficient and reducing the stress on components.
Implementation Method 1
the output flange can be mounted on the rotary indexing table housing by means of a ball slewing ring... Since the bearing friction of ball slewing rings is generally lower than that of combined axial and radial bearings, the required drive power can be further reduced
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2~3
AI summary
Disclosed is a rotary indexing table (10) having an output flange (12) which is suitable for receiving a workpiece, mounted on a housing (14) of said rotary indexing table (10) for rotation about an axis of rotation (A) and drivingly connected to at least one drive element (24) which engages a driving groove (22) in a cylindrical cam (20) which can be driven by a motor, the cylindrical cam (20) being disposed asymmetrically to the axis of rotation (A) of the output flange (12).