Hydraulic Cutting Tool Rest With Single-Actuator Valve Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting tool rests have complex structures due to the need for hydraulic pressure supply mechanisms to operate clamping mechanisms, which complicates the configuration and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A cutting tool rest design that includes a base with pivotable tool holding portions, each equipped with a clamping mechanism and a valve controlled by an actuator positioned at the tool change position, simplifying the hydraulic pressure supply mechanism by eliminating the need for separate actuators for each valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If respective actuators are provided for the valves of each tool holding portion, then each valve can be operated independently, but the hydraulic pressure supply mechanism becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the operation of multiple valves into a single actuator located at the tool change position. The actuator operates the valve of the tool holding portion positioned at the tool change position, eliminating the need for separate actuators for each valve. This consolidation reduces the number of components and simplifies the hydraulic pressure supply mechanism while maintaining the ability to control tool clamping and unclamping operations.
2Device complexity
If a single actuator is used to operate the valve at the tool change position, then the hydraulic pressure supply mechanism is simplified, but the ability to operate multiple tool holding portions simultaneously is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically positions tool holding portions to the tool change position where the single actuator can operate the valve. The base moves tool holding portions between different positions, allowing the actuator to sequentially service different tools by bringing them to the operational position. This dynamic repositioning enables a single actuator to effectively control multiple tool holding portions over time, maintaining productivity while simplifying the mechanism.
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 configuration allows for a simpler construction and operation of the hydraulic pressure supply mechanism, enhancing the tool rest's functionality and reducing complexity while maintaining effective tool clamping and processing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping mechanism portion (131) that is operated between a clamping state and an unclamping state when supplied with a hydraulic pressure
Implementation Method 2
a valve (220) that controls the hydraulic pressure to be supplied to the clamping mechanism portion (131)
Data Source
AI summary
A cutting tool rest includes: a plurality of tool holding portions; and a base provided with a plurality of tool holding portions, the base being operable to move each of the tool holding portions between a plurality of positions including a tool change position and a workpiece processing position. Each of the tool holding portions has: a clamping mechanism portion that is operated between a clamping state and an unclamping state when supplied with a hydraulic pressure, the clamping state being a state in which the tool is clamped, the unclamping state being a state in which the tool is unclamped; and a valve that controls a hydraulic pressure to be supplied to the clamping mechanism portion. The cutting tool rest further includes an actuator that operates the valve of the tool holding portion positioned at the tool change position when connected to the tool holding portion positioned at the tool change position.