Auto-centering Steady Rest Synchronizes Support Claws
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The centering of supporting claws in steady rests for heavy-duty lathes is not synchronized, leading to time-consuming processes and large concentricity deviations, necessitating a solution for synchronized centering.
Innovation Solution
An auto-centering apparatus comprising a base part, a main support part, side support parts, a lift-up module, and a connecting unit, where the lift-up module drives the main support part to move synchronously with the side support parts using bevel gears and lead screws, and the connecting unit, such as a prismatic joint or hydraulic cylinder, ensures simultaneous adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual centering of supporting claws is performed respectively, then the steady rest can be manufactured with simple structure, but the centering process becomes time-consuming and produces large concentricity deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent centering operations into a single synchronized operation. The main support part and side support parts are connected through connecting units (hydraulic cylinders or prismatic joints) that synchronize their movement, allowing all supporting claws to be centered simultaneously rather than individually, thus reducing both time and concentricity deviation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional manual mechanical centering process with an automated system. A lift-up module (hydraulic cylinder or lead screw mechanism) automatically raises the main support part and side support parts in a synchronized manner, eliminating manual intervention and achieving precise concentricity alignment.
2Ease of operation
If manual centering of supporting claws is performed respectively, then the device structure remains simple, but the centering operation requires complex manual adjustment procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the steady rest to perform its own centering operation automatically. The lift-up module raises the main support part and side support parts simultaneously, and the connecting units automatically maintain synchronized positioning, allowing the device to center itself without requiring complex manual adjustment procedures.
3Manufacturing precision
If synchronized centering is implemented, then centering precision is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces connecting units (hydraulic cylinders or prismatic joints) as intermediary components between the main support part and side support parts. These intermediaries transmit and synchronize the movement, ensuring that all support parts move together precisely without requiring a completely complex restructured device.
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 automatic and precise centering of workpieces by synchronizing the movement of main and side support parts, reducing the time and error associated with manual centering.
Implementation Method 1
the lift-up module drives the main support part to move synchronously with the side support parts using bevel gears and lead screws
Implementation Method 2
the lift-up module drives the main support part to move synchronously with the side support parts using bevel gears and lead screws
Implementation Method 3
the connecting unit, such as a prismatic joint or hydraulic cylinder, ensures simultaneous adjustment
Implementation Method 4
the connecting unit, such as a prismatic joint or hydraulic cylinder, ensures simultaneous adjustment
Data Source
AI summary
An auto-centering apparatus of a steady rest has: a base part; a main support part installed on the top of the base part, and a loading unit installed on the top of the main support part; at least one side support part installed on the top of the base part and located at least one side of the main support part, and a loading unit installed on the top of the side support part; a lift-up module installed in the base part and coupled to the main support part; and a connecting unit installed between the main support part and the side support part.