Compact Micromechanical Machine Tool Layout for Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reducing the dimensions of numerically controlled machine tools for micromechanical applications leads to a loss of static rigidity, compromising high-precision machining due to increased deformation under thermal and mechanical stress.
Innovation Solution
A numerically controlled machine tool design with a frame, part carrier unit, and tool carrier unit, providing specific degrees of rotational and translational freedom to minimize machine tool volume while maximizing the blank volume, and incorporating compact slides and positioning devices to maintain rigidity and reduce inertia.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the dimensions of the machine tool are reduced, then the inertia of moving masses is reduced leading to increased cutting and tool movement speeds, but the static rigidity of the machine tool is lost causing deformation under thermal and mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the machine tool structure adaptable through movable carriages and positioning devices that can adjust their rigidity and position dynamically during operation, allowing the system to optimize between speed and precision based on operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters by using materials with different thermal expansion coefficients and designing the structure to accommodate thermal gradients, thereby maintaining dimensional stability despite temperature variations that would otherwise cause deformation in a compact machine tool
2Area of stationary object
If the dimensions of the machine tool are reduced, then the floor space required is reduced, but the static rigidity is compromised leading to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses precision guideways and slides that provide flexible yet rigid motion paths, allowing the compact machine tool structure to maintain dimensional stability through precisely controlled kinematic chains despite the reduced overall size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite structural designs combining different materials with complementary properties to achieve high rigidity in critical paths while maintaining overall compactness, such as using rigid frame structures with damped vibration elements
3Use of energy by stationary object
If the dimensions of the machine tool are reduced, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the static rigidity is lost causing deformation under mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the machine tool structure into modular components (frame, part carrier unit, tool carrier unit) that can independently support loads, allowing each segment to be optimized for strength-to-weight ratio, thereby maintaining rigidity with reduced overall mass and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent redistributes structural strength across multiple dimensions by creating a three-dimensional framework where the frame, part carrier, and tool carrier form a rigid spatial structure, providing mechanical strength without requiring increased mass in any single dimension
Data Source
AI summary
A numerically controlled machine tool (10) for machining micromechanical parts from a blank (100) in the form of a bar or strip, including a frame (12), a part carrier unit (11) intended to hold the part (100) in position and a tool carrier unit (13) intended to carry a cutting tool (130), the part carrier unit (11) being kinematically connected to the frame (12) so as to have, with respect to the frame (12), only one rotational degree of freedom and one translational degree of freedom in a direction Z, in a reference frame XYZ, and the tool carrier unit (13) being kinematically connected to the frame (12) so as to have, with respect to the frame (12), only one translational degree of freedom in a direction X, and one rotational and translational degree of freedom in a direction Y.