Machining Unit With Dual-Path Tool Motion for Precise Shaft Grooves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machining units for turning and milling elongated workpieces, such as shafts, face challenges in implementing complex and dynamic movement paths with precision due to the weight and complexity of the entire unit, leading to increased effort and reduced precision in machining operations.

Innovation Solution

A machining unit design where the machining tool is moved along two distinct paths of movement, with separate drive units and a control unit, allowing for independent and precise execution of complex trochoid or cycloid movements, while the entire unit performs a simple linear forward feed, reducing the mass to be moved and enabling high-precision dynamic variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the entire machining unit is moved to implement complex paths of movement, then the machining tool can perform combined movements in different paths, but the effort required increases significantly due to the great weight of the machining unit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to perform combined movementsVSAvoideffort required for movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The machining unit is segmented into a stationary housing part and a movable tool carrier that can be independently positioned along the paths of movement. Only the tool carrier with the machining tool needs to be moved, not the entire heavy machining unit, thereby reducing the force required while maintaining the capability to perform complex combined movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system separates the movement dimensions by allowing the tool carrier to move independently along multiple paths (first and second paths of movement) while the housing part remains stationary. This dimensional separation enables complex tool trajectories without requiring movement of the entire machining unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the entire machining unit is moved to implement complex paths of movement, then combined movements can be achieved, but the precision of complex paths and profiles deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to perform combined movementsVSAvoidprecision of complex paths

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the machining unit into a stationary housing part and a movable tool carrier, the system achieves complex tool paths through independent positioning of only the tool carrier. This segmentation improves precision by eliminating the cumulative errors and mechanical play that would occur if the entire heavy machining unit were moved along complex trajectories.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the entire machining unit is moved to implement complex paths of movement, then combined movements can be achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to perform combined movementsVSAvoidcomplexity of movement implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The machining unit is divided into a stationary housing part and a movable tool carrier that can be independently positioned along the first and second paths of movement. This segmentation simplifies the overall device structure by eliminating the need for complex mechanisms to move the entire heavy machining unit, while still enabling combined movements through independent positioning of the tool carrier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Manufacturing precision

If the machining tool is moved independently along two different paths, then high precision complex movement paths can be achieved, but the device complexity increases due to separate drive units and control systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of movement pathsVSAvoidcomplexity of drive and control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is designed with multi-functionality to manage and coordinate multiple drive units along different paths of movement. This universal control approach, combined with independent positioning mechanisms, enables high-precision complex movement paths while managing device complexity through integrated control rather than separate dedicated systems for each path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11628528B2Machining unit for machining workpieces

Publication Date: 2023.04.18 AFW HLDG GMBH

AI summary

A machining unit for machining, in particular turning and/or milling, workpieces, in particular elongate workpieces, in particular shafts, includes a machining tool. The machining tool can be moved along at least two different, in particular combined, motion paths in a motion plane. The machining until also includes at least one drive unit, which is designed for moving the machining tool along a first motion path and along a second motion path, which is different from the first motion path, possibly in a combined manner.