Dual Index Table Push-Bar Mechanism for Precise Long Work Machining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing index apparatus for machining centers struggle to accurately hold and machine long works due to uneven distribution of weight and force, as a single index table is overwhelmed, leading to inaccuracies in machining.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus employs two index tables and a connecting plate with a dual locking mechanism and push bar transmission system, allowing for balanced distribution of weight and force by using a pair of housings and index tables that rotate in tandem, with a relative movement transmission mechanism to manage the machining process effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single index table is used to hold the work, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates when machining long works due to uneven distribution of weight and force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidmachining precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The single index table is divided into two separate index tables (first index table and second index table). Each index table independently supports one end of the long work, segmenting the load-bearing function. This segmentation allows even distribution of weight and force across both tables, preventing the precision deterioration that occurs when a single table bears the entire load of a long workpiece.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If two index tables are used to hold the work, then the manufacturing precision is improved by distributing weight and force, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining precisionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The two index tables are merged into a single integrated indexing system where both tables are supported by the same housing structure and controlled by a unified push bar transmission mechanism. The NC device coordinates both tables to rotate in tandem, merging their operation into a single synchronized system. This merging approach achieves the precision benefits of load distribution while minimizing the increase in device complexity through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If a single index table rotates to index the work, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the reliability deteriorates when machining long works due to inability to hold and machine exactly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidholding accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single indexing operation is segmented into two coordinated indexing operations, one for each index table. Each table independently indexes its respective end of the workpiece, providing reliable holding accuracy for long works. The segmentation of the indexing function across two tables ensures that both ends of the work are securely positioned, preventing the reliability deterioration associated with single-table indexing of long workpieces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3632612B1Index apparatus for machining center
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 KAWATA TETABUKOU
  • EP3632612B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1H
  • EP3632612B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3632612B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

It is an object of the invention to provide a new push bar type of index apparatus which can hold and machine the work exactly while the machining center machines the work having a predetermined length even if the work is long. An index apparatus comprises first and second index tables 4a and 4b configured to hold a work 1. The apparatus comprises a push bar transmission mechanism configured to rotate the first index table 4a in response to the movement of the push bar 7. The work 1 and the second index table 4b are rotated by the rotation of the first index table 4a integrally so as to index the work 1.