Crosspiece Hydraulic Holding Unit for Connecting Rods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machining centers for connecting rods are limited by the number of hydraulic and pneumatic lines, restricting the ability to perform all rough and finishing operations in a single center due to varying positioning and locking requirements, leading to inefficient use and reduced flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece-holding unit with a crosspiece and workpiece-holding tools that optimize the use of hydraulic and pneumatic lines, allowing for independent operation of positioning and locking mechanisms on multiple connecting rods, enabling all operations to be performed in a single machining center.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple positioning and locking mechanisms are provided for different machining operations, then the ability to perform all rough and finishing operations in a single machining center is improved, but the number of hydraulic and pneumatic lines required increases beyond the limited availability
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece-holding tool is divided into multiple independent workpiece-holding devices, each capable of being positioned and locked independently. This segmentation allows different groups of connecting rods to be held at different positions and locked with different forces using separate hydraulic lines, thereby performing multiple operations in a single machining center without requiring an excessive number of hydraulic lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning and locking mechanisms are designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the locking force to be calibrated according to the specific machining operation. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same hydraulic line to serve multiple purposes by varying the locking force, reducing the total number of hydraulic lines needed while maintaining versatility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If locking forces are increased to secure connecting rods firmly, then the positioning stability is improved, but the connecting rod may deform and machining accuracy is affected
Solution Approach 1:
Different workpiece-holding devices apply different locking forces tailored to the specific requirements of each machining operation. This local quality approach ensures that each connecting rod is locked with the minimum necessary force to achieve stable positioning, preventing deformation while maintaining positioning stability throughout the machining process.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking force parameter is calibrated and adjusted according to the specific machining operation being performed. By changing the locking force parameter to match the requirements of each operation, the system maintains optimal positioning stability without applying excessive force that could deform the connecting rod and compromise machining accuracy.
3Productivity
If a single machining center is used to perform all operations, then productivity is improved, but the machining center must accommodate varying positioning and locking requirements that exceed the available hydraulic and pneumatic lines
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece-holding tool is designed with multiple workpiece-holding devices that can be positioned and locked independently, allowing a single machining center to perform multiple different operations on different groups of connecting rods. This multi-functionality enables the machining center to handle various machining operations without requiring separate dedicated centers, thereby improving productivity while managing the hydraulic and pneumatic line requirements through intelligent control.
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
This solution enhances the flexibility of machining centers to handle various operations and types of connecting rods, optimizing production by allowing all necessary machinings to be performed in a single center without deforming the connecting rods, thus improving machining accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulic mechanisms on the main faces of the crosspiece and are connected to hydraulic feed means
Implementation Method 2
positioning mechanisms and locking mechanisms for at least one connecting rod, which are hydraulically operated via respective hydraulic lines
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The unit comprises a crosspiece (24) which is adapted to be rotatably supported about its axis in front of a machining head (12) of the machining center (10) and has internal, hydraulic longitudinal ducts (M1-M8) which communicate with respective hydraulic outlets (M1'-M8') on the main faces (26, 28, 30, 32) of the crosspiece (24) and are connected to hydraulic feed means (M). Several workpiece-holding tools (60, 260) are installable on the main faces of the crosspiece (24) and are provided with positioning mechanisms (83a, 92, 106, 110) and locking mechanisms (68, 124, 126) for at least one connecting rod, which are hydraulically operated via respective hydraulic lines (98-104, 120, 122 and 168, 170) leading at positions aligned to said hydraulic outlets (M1', M8').