Cantilevered Mobile Machine Tool With Hexapod Rigidity Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile machine tools are not suitable for processing large dies quickly and with high accuracy due to insufficient rigidity and working range, and existing systems that enhance rigidity often compromise working space and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A mobile machine tool with a cantilevered machine bed head attached to a main body via a mechanically overdetermined frame, featuring a hexapod structure with extendible struts and a rolling chassis, allowing for high rigidity, large working range, and modular design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the machine bed head is made more rigid and the natural frequency is increased, then the manufacturing precision and stability improve, but the working space decreases and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The machine tool is divided into functionally independent modules: a mobile main body with rolling chassis for transportation, a cantilevered machine bed head for processing, and a hexapod positioning system for precise end effector control. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently - the main body can be lightweight and mobile while the machine bed head maintains high rigidity for accurate processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial separation by cantilevering the machine bed head relative to the main body, creating vertical and horizontal distance between the mobile platform and the processing zone. This dimensional arrangement allows the main body to remain mobile while the machine bed head achieves structural rigidity through its cantilevered mounting and oversized construction.
2Manufacturing precision
If the rigidity of the machine tool is increased to improve processing accuracy, then the manufacturing precision improves, but the working range of the end effector decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hexapod positioning system with extendible struts that can dynamically adjust the position and configuration of the machine bed head. This allows the system to optimize between rigidity and working range - the struts can be extended to increase working space when needed while maintaining structural stability through the overdetermined mechanical framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine bed head is pre-configured with an oversized design and cantilevered mounting that provides inherent rigidity before processing begins. The hexapod system is pre-positioned to support this configuration, allowing the end effector to operate from a stable base while the struts can be adjusted to extend the working range as needed for different workpiece sizes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a mechanically overdetermined frame with hexapod structure is used, then the rigidity and natural frequency improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hexapod frame structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the machine bed head, enables precise positioning through strut adjustment, absorbs vibrational forces through its overdetermined configuration, and allows for modular assembly. This multi-functionality justifies the increased structural complexity by eliminating the need for separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages and traditional rigid mounting systems with a hexapod parallel mechanism that uses six independently controllable struts. This substitution simplifies control through electronic actuation of each strut while maintaining high rigidity through the geometric constraints of the overdetermined mechanical framework.
4Area of stationary object
If the machine bed head is made oversized to increase working space, then the working range improves, but the rigidity and natural frequency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The machine bed head is designed with non-uniform mass distribution and localized reinforcement in critical areas near the end effector mounting points. This allows the overall structure to be oversized for working space while maintaining high rigidity where it is most needed for accurate processing. The cantilevered design concentrates structural strength at the mounting interface with the hexapod system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction in the machine bed head, combining materials with different properties to achieve both large dimensions and high rigidity. The oversized structure uses material strategically placed to maximize moment of inertia and structural stiffness while minimizing mass, allowing large working range without sacrificing natural frequency or rigidity.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile machine tool includes a main body, a machine bed head, and an end effector. The main body permits the machine tool to stand on the ground. The machine bed head is cantilevered relative to the main body. The end effector is guided on the machine bed head by a positioning system. The machine bed head is attached to the main body by a mechanically overdetermined frame.