Integrated Chip Carriage for Compact Machine Tool Chip Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact machine tools face challenges in automation and chip management due to limited space, requiring innovative solutions for efficient chip removal and handling that integrate with existing automation technology while maintaining a compact design.
Innovation Solution
A movable chip cart with a receptacle for a chip basket, integrated into the machine tool enclosure, allows direct chip transfer from the work area to the chip cart via gravity, eliminating the need for additional conveyors and enabling quick change or emptying of the basket, thus ensuring self-sufficient operation and reducing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If a compact machine tool design is used, then the installation space is reduced, but the integration of automation technology and chip management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The chip carriage is nested within the machine tool housing, with the chip basket positioned inside the carriage. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional elements (chip collection, storage, and removal mechanisms) to be compactly integrated within the limited installation space of the machine tool, resolving the contradiction between compact size and automation integration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The chip carriage serves multiple functions: it collects chips from the work area, provides storage capacity for accumulated chips, and enables automated removal through its movable design. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address multiple automation needs (chip management, storage, and disposal) within the compact machine tool, enhancing adaptability without increasing installation space
2Extent of automation
If standard automation technology is used, then the automation capability is sufficient, but the machine tool dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chip removal function is extracted as a separate, movable chip carriage that can be independently positioned and removed from the machine tool. This extraction allows the main machine tool body to remain compact while providing automated chip management capability through the removable carriage, resolving the contradiction between automation capability and machine tool dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The chip carriage is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be dynamically positioned in the work area and removed when full. This dynamic design enables automated chip collection and removal functionality without permanently increasing the machine tool's footprint, addressing the contradiction between automation extent and machine tool dimensions
3Ease of operation
If a chip conveyor is added for chip removal, then the chip handling capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chip carriage utilizes gravity to automatically transport chips from the work area into its basket, eliminating the need for powered conveyors or complex mechanical chip moving mechanisms. This self-service approach improves chip handling capability while minimizing device complexity by relying on natural gravitational forces rather than additional active components
Solution Approach 2:
The chip carriage acts as an intermediary container between the work area and the external environment. It receives chips via gravity, provides temporary storage, and enables simple removal of accumulated chips. This intermediary function improves chip handling ease while avoiding the complexity of direct chip ejection or conveyor systems
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 partially automated or highly automated production in compact machine tools by providing sufficient chip handling capacity, maintaining a compact design, and allowing for direct visual monitoring by operators, while reducing contamination and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
allows direct chip transfer from the work area to the chip cart via gravity
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (70) for chip removal for a machine tool (10) has a movable chip carriage (90) with a receptacle (110) for a chip basket (112) removable from the chip carriage (90), a chip carriage storage position (72) for the chip carriage (90) integrated into a housing (64) of the machine tool (10), in particular below a working area (24) of the machine tool (10), and a connecting piece (94) between an opening (114) of the chip basket (112) and a chip removal opening (158) of the working area (24) for chip removal from the working area (24). The connecting piece (94) can be moved between a release position, in which the chip carriage (90) can be moved out of the chip carriage parking space (72), and an operating position, in which the connecting piece (94) and the chip carriage (90) are coupled for chip transfer from the work area (24) into the chip carriage (90).A manufacturing system (60) for machining comprises a machine tool (10) and a device (70) for chip removal.