Dual-Drive Tool Holder Motion for Compact 2D Wire Forming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tool moving devices lack the necessary degree of freedom in the operation of the tool holder, limiting their versatility and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A tool moving device incorporating a dual-drive source system with a first and second drive source unit, including a servomotor and speed reducer, connected via a special slider link mechanism that allows for two-dimensional movement of the tool holder, enhancing operational freedom and reducing installation space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional single-drive tool moving device is used, then the structure is simple, but the operational freedom of the tool holder is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational freedomVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drive system is segmented into two independent drive sources (first and second drive sources), each controlling different degrees of freedom. The first drive source controls movement in one direction while the second drive source controls movement in another direction, allowing independent control of each axis to achieve complex two-dimensional trajectories

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from single-dimensional linear movement to two-dimensional movement by adding a second drive source that operates in a different direction. This dimensional expansion enables the tool holder to follow complex curved trajectories rather than simple linear paths

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a dual-drive source system is implemented, then operational freedom increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational freedomVSAvoiddrive system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The two drive sources are merged through a common slider mechanism. Both drive sources connect to the same slider, which integrates their movements into a coordinated two-dimensional motion of the tool holder. This merging reduces the number of separate mechanisms needed while achieving the dual-drive functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If a slider link mechanism is used, then installation space is reduced, but the operational freedom is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidoperational freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The slider link mechanism is made dynamic by allowing the slider to move freely in two directions rather than being constrained to a fixed linear path. The link lengths and connection points are designed to allow dynamic adjustment of the movement trajectory, enabling complex two-dimensional motion while maintaining the compact slider mechanism structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4491296B1Tool moving device and wire forming machine
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 ASAHI SEIKI INDUSTRIES
  • EP4491296B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4491296B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4491296B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

[Problem] There is a demand for development of a technique capable of increasing the degree of freedom of operation of a tool holder and suppressing a decrease in operation speed associated therewith, with respect to a conventional tool moving device. [Solution to problem] A tool moving device 10A according to a present embodiment includes: a slider link mechanism 29 including a first drive source 21, a first link 23 configured to be rotationally driven by the first drive source 21, a slide guide 33, a slider 35V configured to be slidably supported by the slide guide, and a second link 25 configured to be rotatably connected to the first link 23 and the slider 35V, the slider link mechanism 29 being configured to be capable of moving the slider 35V along the slide guide 33 by power of the first drive source 21; a second drive source 31 configured to be capable of rotationally driving the slide guide 33 about a rotation axis parallel to a rotation axis of the first link 23; and a tool holder 36V provided at a portion of the slider link mechanism 29, the portion being movable to any desired two-dimensional position by power of the first drive source 21 and the second drive source 31, and the tool holder being configured to hold a tool 37V.