Numerically Controlled Tool Holder for Blast Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for jet cutting and flame cutting of thick, plate-shaped components fail to maintain positioning accuracy and prevent collisions due to heat and dust exposure, and are limited in producing large bevel angles and withstanding thermal and environmental stresses.
Innovation Solution
A tool holding device with a pivoting mechanism using a cranked connecting link and a rotary device, equipped with a torque-compensating mechanism and collision protection, integrated with a basket-shaped protective device and air cooling, allowing for over 180° pivoting and 360° rotation with enhanced positioning accuracy and collision prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional robot wrist with multiple gear elements is used for cutting, then circular pivoting with high rigidity is achieved, but the collision area near the burner becomes large and thermal stress limits the power of torches that can be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the gear elements from the immediate vicinity of the burner by positioning them in the extended arm structure away from the cutting zone. This allows the use of high-power torches without exposing critical mechanical components to excessive thermal stress, while maintaining rigidity through the extracted gear positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the extended arm with positioned gear elements) that mediates between the burner and the mechanical support structure. This intermediary arrangement allows the gear elements to be shielded from direct thermal exposure while still providing the necessary structural support and motion control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a parallel crank mechanism is used for bevel cutting, then cutting capability is improved, but the collision space increases and prevents burningers from having a range of movement of more than about 150 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar parallel crank mechanism to a three-dimensional articulated arm structure. This dimensional change allows the burner to achieve greater ranges of movement (exceeding 150 degrees) while maintaining bevel cutting capability, as the articulated arm can operate in multiple spatial dimensions rather than being constrained to a single plane.
3Manufacturing precision
If the torch is moved on a bow guide for pivoting, then bevel cuts on straight component edges can be made, but the collision space increases considerably and TCP and sensor must be arranged one after the other
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the torch on a bow guide with the sensor arranged behind the TCP, the patent inverts the arrangement by positioning the sensor in front of the TCP. This inversion allows for collision-free operation while maintaining the ability to make precise bevel cuts, as the sensor can detect the workpiece surface before the torch reaches the cutting position.
4Ease of operation
If two planar parallel crank mechanisms are arranged one after the other to pivot the burner about a fixed point, then gentle treatment of cables and hoses is achieved, but an extremely large number of joints and gear members increases manufacturing complexity and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the motion control into a modular articulated arm structure with distinct segments, each equipped with its own drive and measuring system. This segmentation reduces the total number of joints and gear members compared to nested parallel crank mechanisms, while still providing gentle cable and hose treatment through controlled motion at each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical gear systems with a combination of direct drives and electronic control. Each segment of the articulated arm has its own motor and incremental measuring system, eliminating the need for multiple gear stages and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining precise control and gentle cable treatment.
5Reliability
If standard robots are modified with heat-resistant coatings and sealed components for dust and water pressure resistance, then reliability under difficult environmental conditions is improved, but the distance from the tip of the torch to the wrist must be relatively large which reduces robot workspace
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protected components (gear elements, drives, and measuring systems) from the immediate vicinity of the burner and positions them in the extended arm structure. This extraction allows for a more compact wrist design with reduced distance from the torch tip, thereby increasing robot workspace while maintaining reliability through the protected component positioning.
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
The solution enables precise and collision-free jet processing of thick components with large bevel angles, maintaining accuracy and protecting the tool from damage under harsh conditions, while minimizing the impact of gear play on positioning accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
integrated with a basket-shaped protective device and air cooling
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a numerically controlled tool holding device for blast machining. It is a device designed specifically for the requirements of blast machining thick components in plate form and is to be understood here as a component of a portal-type robot-like machine. With the aid of this device it is possible to change the orientation of the blasting tool (3) in relation to the component and produce the usual forms of bevel - very flat bevels of great length are typical - without the risk of collisions and with particularly great accuracy. The device is designed for withstanding the environmental loads that occur during the blast machining of thick components in plate form, that it is to say great heat and the production of considerable amounts of dust. It is characterized in that the tip of the torch or the TCP (6) of a blasting tool (3) has a normal distance from the pivot axis (4) that is greater than the extent of the housing (8) in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis (4) and the horizontal part of the connecting element (5a) is configured in such a way that its distance from the pivot axis (4) is greater than that between the TCP (6) and the pivot axis (4) and the range of movement of the blasting tool (3) about the pivot axis (4) is significantly greater than 180 degrees.