Compact EDM Tool Changer With Angled Actuators for Space-Limited Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear tool changers for electrical discharge machine tools require significant space, making it difficult to integrate them within the limited machining area of the machine tool without increasing the overall size, and often protrude from the machine enclosure.
Innovation Solution
A compact linear tool changer design featuring a base with angled pneumatic cylinders and a telescopic linear guide, allowing the holding plate to move between retracted and extended positions without increasing the size in the extending direction, thereby minimizing space usage and maintaining sufficient stroke for electrode changing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional linear tool changer is used, then the tool changing function is provided, but the space required in the machining area increases and the device protrudes from the machine enclosure
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic cylinder is arranged at an angle (not parallel) to the extending direction of the tool changer, utilizing angular/diagonal dimensioning instead of linear parallel arrangement. This angular positioning allows the cylinder to generate linear motion in the extending direction while occupying less space in that direction, effectively resolving the space contradiction by changing the dimensional arrangement of the actuator.
2Device complexity
If the linear guide and actuator are arranged parallel to the extending direction, then the tool changer structure is simple, but the size in the extending direction increases requiring more installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is positioned at an angle to the extending direction rather than parallel, transforming the arrangement from a one-dimensional parallel configuration to a two-dimensional angular configuration. This allows the actuator's longitudinal axis to be oriented diagonally, projecting less length in the extending direction while still providing the necessary stroke through its angled positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The angled arrangement of the pneumatic cylinder creates a dynamic geometric relationship where the cylinder's motion translates into linear motion of the holding plate in the extending direction. The angled configuration allows the system to achieve the required stroke while minimizing the footprint in the extending direction through geometric projection.
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 compact tool changer can be fully integrated within the machine tool, reducing the space required in the machining area and preventing protrusion from the machine enclosure, while providing reliable and efficient automatic electrode changing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a first actuator which is a first cylinder having a first piston and a second actuator which is a second cylinder having a second piston to enable the holding plate to be moved between a retracted position and an extended position
Data Source
AI summary
A tool changer for electrical discharge machine tool, in particular for loading and unloading at least one tool electrode holder to be mounted in a chuck of the electrical discharge machine tool for machining a workpiece. The tool changer includesa base having a back wall and two side walls, wherein on each side wall a linear guide is provided horizontally;a holding plate coupled to the linear guide to allow the displacement of the holding plate on a horizontal plane on the linear guide in its longitudinal direction defined as extending direction;a plurality of forks for receiving the tool electrode holder mounted on the holding plate;a driving unit connected to the holding plate to enable the movement of the holding plate between a retracted position and an extending position, wherein in the retracted position the holding plate is positioned closely to the back wall and in the extending position the holding plate is moved away from the back wall, wherein the driving unit includes a first actuator and a second actuator, the longitudinal axis of each actuator being arranged at a defined angle to the extending direction of the tool changer.