Boring Bar Tool Magazine Layout for Low-Impact Tool Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool exchanging apparatuses for boring bars are hindered by large tool sizes due to the lack of vibration damping, leading to increased weight and interference with workpiece size limitations, and require significant fixing forces that impact the boring bar during tool exchange.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a magazine with a rotation plate and holders, connected to a guide rail and actuator, which allows for the rotation and horizontal movement of tools between the main shaft and spindle exchanging apparatus, reducing tool weight and enabling efficient vibration damping during exchanges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a tool with vibration damping function is used at the front end of the boring bar, then the weight of the tool can be reduced, but the tool size cannot be reduced further due to lack of vibration damping
Solution Approach 1:
The tool system is divided into two separate components: a lightweight tool head at the front end of the boring bar for machining, and a separate damper device that can be attached to or integrated with the tool holder. This segmentation allows the tool to maintain low weight while the separate damper provides the necessary vibration damping function.
Solution Approach 2:
A damper device is introduced as an intermediary component between the tool and the boring bar structure. This intermediary element absorbs vibrations without adding significant weight to the tool itself, resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and vibration damping requirements.
2Reliability
If a swing arm type tool exchanging apparatus is used, then a fixing force can be provided to prevent tool falling, but the fixing force impacts the boring bar having a long overhang during exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The tool exchanging apparatus incorporates cushioning elements such as springs or dampers in the holding and transfer mechanism. These elements absorb shocks and reduce impact forces during tool exchange, preventing harmful impacts on the boring bar while maintaining reliable tool fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional swing arm mechanical system is replaced or supplemented with a pneumatic or hydraulic tool exchange mechanism. This substitution allows for softer, more controlled tool handling that reduces impact forces on the boring bar while maintaining secure tool holding.
3Ease of operation
If a swing arm type tool exchanging apparatus is used, then tool exchange can be performed, but long X-Y axis strokes are required due to distance difference between spindle and boring bar
Solution Approach 1:
The tool exchanging apparatus utilizes the Z-axis (axial direction) for magazine movement and tool presentation, rather than relying solely on X-Y plane movements. By positioning the magazine along the axial direction and using vertical/horizontal movement combinations, the system reduces the required X-Y stroke length while maintaining full tool exchange capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The magazine is designed to present tools directly at the tool holder position through axial movement and rotation, eliminating the need for long X-Y axis strokes. The copying approach involves positioning the magazine in the axial direction where it can rotate and present tools directly to the boring bar tool holder, reducing lateral movement requirements.
4Ease of operation
If a swing arm type tool exchanging apparatus is used, then tool exchange can be performed, but workpiece size is restricted due to interference between workpiece and spindle
Solution Approach 1:
The tool exchanging apparatus is positioned and operates primarily in the axial direction (Z-axis) rather than requiring large X-Y plane movements. This dimensional change allows the exchange mechanism to operate in a space that does not interfere with large workpieces, expanding the range of accommodatable workpiece sizes while maintaining tool exchange functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The magazine serves as an intermediary tool storage and presentation device positioned in the axial direction between the spindle and tool holder. This intermediary positioning allows tool exchanges to occur without the swing arm mechanism interfering with large workpieces, thereby expanding adaptability to different workpiece sizes.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for exchanging a tool of a boring bar may include a magazine, a frame, a guide rail and an actuator. The magazine may be configured to receive a plurality of the tools. The frame may be arranged under the magazine. The guide rail may be arranged on the frame. The magazine may be movably connected to the guide rail. The actuator may be configured to rotate the magazine. Thus, the magazine configured to hold the tools may be arranged between the main shaft and the spindle exchanging apparatus to reduce a weight of the tool.