Automatic Tool Changer for Drill and Plasma Torch Workpiece Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional workpiece processing systems are inefficient in marking processes, often requiring separate machines, leading to reduced throughput, inaccurate markings, and increased costs, while also being prone to maintenance issues in dirty environments with drill chips and spray mist.
Innovation Solution
A system equipped with an automatic tool changer that can seamlessly switch between a drill spindle and a plasma torch, allowing for both drilling and marking operations on a workpiece, utilizing a plasma torch tool that can be used for marking and cutting, and is designed to operate effectively in environments with drill chips and spray mist.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate marking machine is used for workpiece marking, then marking function is provided, but system complexity increases and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the marking function with the existing drilling machine by integrating a marking tool (such as a laser marker or mechanical scribe) into the drill spindle assembly. This allows the same machine to perform both drilling and marking operations on workpieces, eliminating the need for a separate marking machine and thereby maintaining high throughput while providing versatile marking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The drill spindle assembly is designed to accommodate multiple tools including both drilling tools and marking tools. The tool changer can automatically switch between different tool types, enabling a single machine to universally perform multiple functions (drilling, marking, and potentially other operations), thus improving productivity by eliminating dedicated separate machines.
2Adaptability or versatility
If air scribing is used for marking, then marking is provided, but processing speed decreases and marking depth is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical air scribing system with alternative marking methods such as laser marking or mechanical scribe systems that are integrated into the drill spindle. These systems provide faster processing speeds and better control over marking depth, eliminating the problems of slow processing and excessive cutting depth associated with air scribing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate machines are used for different processing operations, then various processing functions are provided, but system cost increases and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple processing functions (drilling, marking, and potentially cutting or other operations) into a single machine platform. The tool changer system allows automatic switching between different tool types, enabling one machine to replace multiple separate machines, thereby reducing overall system complexity and maintenance requirements while maintaining versatile processing capabilities.
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 system enhances processing efficiency by integrating marking and cutting operations, reducing the need for separate machines, improving accuracy and visibility of markings, and maintaining high performance in challenging environments with minimal maintenance, while being cost-effective and adaptable to various workpiece types.
Implementation Method 1
at least a second tool storage bay for removably storing a plasma torch tool therein
Implementation Method 2
plasma torch tool for performing a marking process on a surface of a workpiece
Data Source
AI summary
A system (40) is provided for processing a workpiece. The system (40) includes a support surface (48) for supporting a workpiece and includes an automatic tool changer (64) having a first tool storage bay (80) for removably storing a drill tool therein and having a second tool storage bay (80) for removably storing a plasma torch tool therein. The system (40) includes at least one drill spindle (60) movable with respect to a surface of a workpiece. The drill spindle (60) and the automatic tool changer (64) are movable relative to one another and configured to transfer between them a drill tool stored in the first tool storage bay (80) and a plasma torch tool stored in the second tool storage bay (80).