Driven Cutting Tool Machine Tool for Low-Force Complex Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools lack flexibility and efficiency, particularly in large-volume forming processes where material removal and complex structure formation are required, often necessitating multiple forming steps and high pressing forces.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool with a lifting device and a driven/cutting tool that allows for fast and precise machining by cutting rather than displacement, using a rotatable tool with cutting edges and a stripper plate to protect the workpiece and separate chips, combined with a suction device for efficient chip removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pressure forming processes such as pressing and embossing are used, then material is displaced to form structures, but the material structure in the workpiece changes and multiple forming steps are necessary for complex structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pressure forming processes with a driven cutting tool that removes material through cutting rather than displacement. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple forming steps and preserves the material structure, as cutting directly creates the desired geometry without plastic deformation or material flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental machining parameter from compressive force (pressing) to cutting removal. By using a driven cutting tool with rotating cutters, the process transitions from displacement-based forming to material removal-based forming, achieving complex structures in fewer steps while maintaining material integrity.
2Productivity
If driven and cutting tools are used for large-volume forming processes, then material is removed by cutting and complex structures can be formed quickly, but the machine tool requires lower pressing forces which means smaller machine tools must be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes high-force pressure forming with a driven cutting mechanism. The cutting tool removes material through shear forces during rotation, eliminating the need for high pressing forces. This allows smaller machine tools to achieve the same productivity for complex structures that previously required large pressing forces and multiple steps.
3Manufacturing precision
If a rotatable tool with cutting edges is used, then fast and precise machining is enabled, but the tool requires a drive mechanism and power connection which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the lifting device to serve dual functions: it provides both the lifting motion and the rotational drive for the cutting tool. The power connection for the drive is made compatible with the lifting device's power supply, allowing a single mechanism to perform multiple functions and reducing overall system complexity despite the added rotational capability.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a stripper plate is used to protect the workpiece from contamination, then workpiece purity is improved, but the stripper plate requires a through-opening for the tool which may allow chips to reach the workpiece
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a suction device as an intermediary between the cutting tool and the workpiece. This suction device actively removes chips and particles from the machining area, preventing them from reaching the workpiece through the stripper plate opening. The intermediary suction mechanism enhances the reliability of contamination protection despite the necessary opening for tool access.
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
Enables fast cycle times, reduced pressing forces, and the ability to form complex structures efficiently, while minimizing contamination and tool change times, suitable for mass production and progressive machining processes.
Implementation Method 1
separated chips and/or particles produced during machining pass, for example, through the chip grooves of the tool onto a side of the stripper plate facing away from the workpiece, and contamination of the workpiece is at least reduced
Data Source
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AI summary
In order to improve a machine tool, in particular a press and/or a punching machine, with a lifting device for at least one tool fixture comprising a tool, it is proposed that the tool be a driven and/or cutting tool.