CNC Machine Compound Support Frame Rigidity and Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

CNC machines face precision issues due to low rigidity in their support structures and high manufacturing tolerances, leading to reduced accuracy and complexity in setup and calibration, particularly with the use of extruded aluminum elements and wheels for linear motion.

Innovation Solution

A CNC machine design featuring a compound support frame with rigid metal tubing and ball screws for precise movement, along with a modular and portable structure that includes a stiffening assembly and interchangeable frame assemblies, enhancing rigidity and precision while simplifying setup and transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If extruded aluminum elements are used as support structure components, then the CNC machine can be manufactured with lower cost and simpler production process, but the manufacturing tolerances increase leading to reduced precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcomponent tolerance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from extruded aluminum to machined aluminum blocks or precision-machined components. This material parameter change enables tighter manufacturing tolerances (improving precision) while still using aluminum (maintaining ease of manufacture and cost-effectiveness). The machining process allows for precision control that extrusion cannot achieve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If wheels are used for linear motion, then the CNC machine can achieve simpler mechanical structure, but debris can deflect the wheels reducing precision and causing jams

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical structure simplicityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the wheel-based mechanical system with a linear rail and carriage system. This substitution eliminates the wheel-debris interaction problem while maintaining smooth linear motion. The linear rail provides precise guidance and the carriage moves along the rail without contact with debris-prone surfaces, resolving the precision issue while keeping the structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Weight of moving object

If the support structure has low rigidity, then the CNC machine can be made more lightweight and portable, but deformation during operation reduces precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachine weightVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite structural approach combining aluminum extrusions (for lightweight properties) with rigid connecting elements and precision-machined components. This composite construction maintains the overall lightweight characteristic while creating rigid critical paths for force transmission and positioning, preventing deformation that would compromise precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates rigid triangular bracing and rigid connecting elements that create rigid geometric structures. These rigid connections prevent deformation under load while maintaining the lightweight aluminum construction, allowing portability without sacrificing positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Manufacturing precision

If CNC machines are designed with high precision components, then positioning accuracy improves, but setup and calibration become more complicated and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsetup and calibration ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the CNC machine into modular segments with standardized interfaces. Each module can be independently manufactured to high precision standards, but the modular design with precision-machined mounting surfaces and standardized connection points simplifies assembly and calibration. The segmentation allows for pre-calibration of individual modules, reducing overall setup complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20200398389A1CNC machine, workstation and components

Publication Date: 2020.12.24 CHERPURNY MARK

AI summary

A frame assembly module for a CNC machine support structure, the module comprising a frame assembly module support structure, and a traversing element, coupled to the frame assembly module support structure, for traversing the frame assembly module support structure, the traversing element comprising a frame assembly fastening feature for attachment of a second frame assembly module to the traversing element, and a spindle fastening feature of attachment of a spindle to the traversing element, the frame assembly module support structure comprising a traversing element fastening feature for attachment of the frame assembly module support structure to a different traversing block. The module may comprise steel tubing.