Electrode Change Magazine for Multi-Diameter Fine Hole EDM
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic electrode supply devices can only handle electrodes of a single diameter, requiring manual replacement and additional setup when machining with electrodes of different diameters, which complicates operations and increases the device's size.
Innovation Solution
A first change device incorporating automatic electrode supply devices, a magazine, and a transfer device, allowing for the stable accommodation and automatic switching of electrodes of different diameters within a single fine hole electric discharge machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single automatic electrode supply device is used, then the device structure is simple, but it can only handle electrodes of one diameter requiring manual replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a magazine system that can accommodate multiple automatic electrode supply devices, each capable of handling different electrode diameters. This allows a single fine hole electric discharge machine to perform multiple electrode diameter operations without manual intervention, achieving universality across different electrode specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where automatic electrode supply devices are stored within accommodation members of the magazine. The magazine itself is integrated into the machine structure, creating a hierarchical nesting arrangement that maximizes space utilization while maintaining accessibility to multiple electrode types.
2Productivity
If manual electrode replacement is performed, then the device structure remains simple, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic electrode supply system where the machine itself performs electrode replacement operations through the magazine and transfer mechanism. The system automatically selects, transfers, and installs the appropriate electrode based on machining requirements, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The magazine pre-stores multiple automatic electrode supply devices with different electrode diameters before machining begins. This preliminary preparation allows the machine to immediately switch between electrode types during operation without waiting for manual replacement, maintaining continuous high-speed productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple automatic electrode supply devices are stored, then electrode diameter versatility is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a nested magazine structure where accommodation members are arranged in a compact, space-efficient configuration. Multiple automatic electrode supply devices are nested within the magazine's accommodation members, which are integrated into the machine's existing structure, minimizing the overall volume increase while maximizing electrode diameter versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical space by arranging accommodation members in a multi-level configuration within the magazine. This three-dimensional arrangement allows storage of multiple electrode supply devices without proportionally increasing the horizontal footprint of the machine, effectively managing device size while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A change device, a fine hole electric discharge machine, and an electrode change method that enable automatic and continuous machining of a large number of holes using electrodes of different diameters. A fine hole electric discharge machine including automatic electrode supply devices and a first change device is provided. The automatic electrode supply device includes an electrode cartridge storing a plurality of electrodes of a predetermined diameter and an electrode feeder device supplying the electrodes one by one from the electrode cartridge. The first change device includes a first magazine accommodating the automatic electrode supply devices in a detachable manner and a first transfer device transferring the automatic electrode supply device between the first magazine and a first chuck on a machining main spindle. The first magazine accommodates a plurality of automatic electrode supply devices storing the electrodes of different diameters.