Direct-Drive Tool Turret for Precise Angular Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional turrets for tool machines, such as lathes, have complex and inefficient mechanical transmission systems that negatively affect processing precision and are prone to errors due to indirect engagement mechanisms, leading to issues with torque transmission and angular position control.
Innovation Solution
A turret design featuring a direct coaxial engagement between the electrical spindle and the tool holder, eliminating intermediate mechanical transmissions and ensuring precise alignment and torque management through a central recess and integrated motor spindle, allowing for controlled angular positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If indirect mechanical transmission systems (belts, gears, friction joints) are used to transmit power from the actuating motor to the rotating tool, then the motor can be positioned at a distance from the tool, but the processing precision deteriorates and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediate mechanical transmission components (belts, gears, friction joints) from the power transmission path. The actuating motor is directly coupled to the rotating tool through a simplified direct drive mechanism, removing the sources of precision loss while maintaining operational flexibility through electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical transmission system (belts, gears, friction joints) with an electronic control system that directly actuates the rotating tool. This substitution eliminates mechanical errors and precision losses associated with intermediate transmission components while maintaining the ability to position and control the motor at various locations.
2Ease of operation
If indirect mechanical transmission systems are used, then the motor can be positioned remotely, but the device complexity increases due to multiple transmission components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex intermediate transmission components (belts, gears, friction joints) from the system. The actuating motor is directly connected to the rotating tool, eliminating multiple transmission stages and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining positioning flexibility through electronic control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical transmission system with an electronic control system that directly actuates the tool. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple mechanical components, reducing device complexity while preserving the ability to position the motor remotely and control its operation electronically.
3Adaptability or versatility
If friction discoidal joints with pins are used for indirect engagement, then the motor can be decoupled from the tool holder, but the reliability decreases due to pin fracture risk and angular rotation issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fragile pin elements and friction discoidal joint from the engagement mechanism. Instead, it employs a direct coupling mechanism where the actuating motor is securely connected to the rotating tool through a simplified interface that eliminates pin fracture risks and angular rotation problems while maintaining motor decoupling capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the unreliable friction discoidal joint with pins with a direct drive coupling mechanism. This substitution eliminates the structural weaknesses of the pin-based system (fracture risk, angular rotation errors) while maintaining the ability to decouple the motor from the tool holder through electronic control when tool changes or adjustments are required.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A turret (100) for tool machine suitable for mounting at least one rotating tool for turning it machining a piece at the tool machine; said turret (100) comprising: - at least a turret body (4) supported by the tool machine; - a least a rotating drum (5) supported by said turret body (4) and supporting at least two tool holders (3) upon which are mounted at least two rotating tools (40) said rotating drum (5) being mounted externally rotating around said turret body (4); - at least an electrical spindle (2) positioned in a recess inside the turret body (4); said electrical spindle (2) extending itself around a vertical axis Y-Y; - said electrical spindle (2) comprising a motor, a rotating shaft (39) for the transmission of the movement associated to said motor and an engagement portion (6) suitable for coupling to said tool holder (3); - each tool holder (3) extending itself along a vertical axis; - the rotating drum (5) being rotatably mounted around said turret body (4) in such a way as to rotate for aligning each tool holder (3) with said engagement portion (6). said turret being characterized in that said tool (40) is actuated in rotation by said rotating shaft (39) through a direct physical coupling wherein an engagement ending portion of said rotating shaft (39) is directly engaged with said tool holder (3).