Adjustable Vertical Arm Structure for Stiffer CNC Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-axis numerically controlled machining centers face excessive flexure and vibration issues when machining low workpieces due to the vertical arm's extended position, leading to reduced stiffness and increased vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A machining center design with a vertical arm that features adjustable vertical sliding means, allowing the machining unit to maintain a shorter distance to the structural constraint, reducing flexure and vibrations, and enabling efficient machining of both high and low workpieces by positioning the machining unit closer to the work surface when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the vertical arm is positioned at a greater height to machine high workpieces, then the machining center can handle workpieces with greater vertical dimension, but the distance between the machining zone and the structural constraint increases causing excessive flexure and vibrations when machining low workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the vertical arm's support position adjustable rather than fixed. The third support can move vertically along the first support, allowing the system to adapt its configuration dynamically. When machining low workpieces, the third support moves to a lower position to reduce the distance to the machining zone, minimizing flexure and vibrations. When machining high workpieces, the third support moves to a higher position to provide sufficient clearance, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and manufacturing precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If the vertical arm is positioned closer to the work surface to reduce flexure and vibrations, then the stiffness of the system improves, but the vertical stroke is limited reducing the ability to machine high workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the vertical support structure into multiple segments: the first support movable on the cross member, the second support movable on the first support, and the third support movable on the first support vertically. This segmented structure allows independent movement of each segment, enabling the third support to be positioned optimally for stiffness during machining while the other segments provide the necessary vertical stroke capability through their own movement ranges.
3Device complexity
If a fixed cross carriage structure is used to support the vertical arm, then the construction is simple, but the distance between the machining zone and structural constraint cannot be adjusted for different workpiece heights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the third support to serve multiple functions: it acts as a structural support for the vertical arm, provides a mounting point for the machining unit, and simultaneously serves as an adjustable positioning element that can move vertically to adapt to different workpiece heights. This multi-functional design allows a single component to address both structural simplicity and adaptability requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
Numerically controlled machining centre with a horizontal cross member arranged on a work surface, a first support that is movable on the cross member, a second support that is movable along a vertical machining axis and is provided with first vertical sliding means for coupling with the first support, a machining unit arranged on the second support for performing machining tasks on a workpiece arranged on the work surface, a third support that is provided with second vertical sliding means for coupling with the second support and which is movable vertically with the possibility of adopting at least one lower position in which the second vertical sliding means is nearer the work surface than an upper position.