Boring Machine Tool Hydrostatic Support with Integrated Manifold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boring machine tools face inefficiencies in balancing work loads causing flexure and bending of the boring bar, have complex and loss-prone fluid supply circuits, and are sensitive to machining tolerances affecting hydrostatic pressure, leading to suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A compact and simplified hydrostatic supporting apparatus with a variable hydraulic supply resistance system that adjusts pressure dynamically based on load and position, using a single manifold to supply pressurized fluid to multiple hydrostatic pockets, reducing dependence on machining tolerances and minimizing fluid losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If thin pipes with fixed hydraulic resistance are used to supply hydrostatic pockets, then the desired supply pressure is achieved, but the supply circuit becomes complex and fluid losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate supply circuits into a single common supply circuit that distributes pressurized fluid to multiple hydrostatic pockets. Instead of using individual thin pipes for each pocket, a single manifold system is employed that reduces circuit complexity while maintaining adequate supply pressure through optimized fluid distribution pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The common supply circuit serves multiple hydrostatic pockets simultaneously, making the system more universal and efficient. The single supply manifold performs the function of multiple individual supply lines, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to supply each pocket with the required pressure.
2Stress or pressure
If thin pipes with fixed hydraulic resistance are used to supply hydrostatic pockets, then the desired supply pressure is achieved, but fluid losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple supply lines into a single common circuit, the patent reduces the total surface area exposed to potential leaks and minimizes fluid losses. The unified supply manifold system allows for better sealing and reduced exposure points compared to multiple separate thin pipes.
3Temperature
If large diameter supply manifolds are used, then fluid heating is reduced, but fluid losses and circuit complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the diameter parameter of the supply manifold to achieve a balance between reducing fluid heating and minimizing fluid losses. Instead of using excessively large diameters, the system employs a carefully selected intermediate diameter that provides sufficient heat dissipation capacity while maintaining acceptable fluid retention and reducing leak potential.
4Stress or pressure
If fixed hydraulic resistance is used, then the supply pressure depends on machining tolerances, but adaptability to load changes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from fixed hydraulic resistance to a dynamic resistance system that can adapt to changing load conditions. The supply circuit incorporates elements that allow the hydraulic resistance to vary automatically based on the actual load and operating conditions, enabling the system to maintain optimal supply pressure across different machining scenarios without being constrained by fixed tolerance-based designs.
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 solution effectively counterbalances load imbalances on the boring bar, enhances operational stiffness, reduces fluid losses, and maintains optimal hydrostatic pressure, resulting in improved machining performance and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The brasses are provided with hydrostatic pads or pockets supplied with pressurised fluid that are able to support slidably the boring bar in translation. The film of fluid, typically oil, which is formed during operation between the internal surfaces of the brasses and the cylindrical surface of the boring bar prevents the direct contact thereof
Implementation Method 2
The hydraulic resistances comprised in boring machine tools of known type usually consist of thin pipes having a passage and length section that are such as to create a desired hydraulic resistance to the passage of the oil
Data Source
AI summary
A boring machine tool (1) arranged for performing a boring task on a workpiece and provided with a machining axis (Z), said boring machine tool (1) comprising: - a boring bar (2) arranged for supporting at a first end (3) thereof a working tool; - a hydrostatic supporting apparatus (5) arranged for slidably and rotatably supporting said boring bar (2) comprising spindle means (6), rotatably fixed to connecting means of said boring machine tool (1), and hydrostatic supporting means (9), mounted inside said spindle means (6) and comprising an internal surface (37) provided with a plurality of hydrostatic supporting pockets (11; 11a, 11b) facing an external wall (29) of said boring bar (2) to support the latter, each hydrostatic supporting pocket (11; 11a, 11b) of said plurality of hydrostatic supporting pockets (11; 11a, 11b) being supplied with a fluid at a working pressure (Pw); and - a supply system (12) arranged for supplying said fluid at a supply pressure (Pa) to said hydrostatic supporting means (9). The boring machine tool (1) is characterised in that said supply system (12) comprises manifold means (24) mounted on said boring bar (2) and arranged for conveying said fluid to said hydrostatic supporting means (9) via a tubular passage (15) obtained inside said boring bar (2).