Cradle Table Feed Layout for Smooth Machine Tool Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine tools with cradle type tables that are turnable around a horizontal axis face challenges in smooth movement due to the weight of the turning mechanism, leading to potential vibration and instability when moved in the horizontal direction.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design featuring a bed with a table that includes a workpiece holder supported by two turnable support portions, connected to separate feeding devices on the bed's peripheral walls, allowing for smooth movement in the horizontal direction by ensuring the support portions follow each other and minimizing vibration through strategic placement of feeding devices near the table's center of gravity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cradle type table with a turning mechanism is used, then the table can be turned around a horizontal axis, but the table becomes heavy and cannot move smoothly in the horizontal direction
Solution Approach 1:
The table is divided into two separate table bases (first table base and second table base) that are provided apart from each other in the second axial direction. Each table base has its own support portion connected to a feeding device, allowing independent control and smoother movement despite the table's weight and turning capability.
2Ease of operation
If the table base is divided into separate first and second table bases, then smooth movement is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The table base is segmented into first and second table bases provided apart from each other in the second axial direction, with each having separate support portions and guide portions. This segmentation enables smooth movement while the modular design keeps the complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide portions are arranged at different positions in the second axial direction (first guide portion above second guide portion, third guide portion above fourth guide portion), utilizing the vertical dimension to provide guidance and stability without increasing horizontal complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If feeding devices are positioned near the center of gravity, then vibration is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second feeding devices are positioned near the upper position where the center of gravity of the table is located, creating a balanced force distribution that reduces vibration during movement. This strategic positioning maintains stability while the symmetric arrangement keeps the complexity manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool includes a bed, and a table that is provided on the bed and movable in a Z-axis direction. The table includes a workpiece holder, a table base including a first support portion and a second support portion for turnably supporting the workpiece holder at positions spaced from each other in an X-axis direction, the workpiece holder being mounted on the table base, and a turning device that is provided in the first support portion, and turns the workpiece holder around a turning center axis extending in the X-axis direction. The machine tool further includes a first feeding device and a second feeding device that are provided on the bed and are connected to the first support portion and the second support portion respectively to drive the table in the Z-axis direction.