Machine Tool Feed Axis Epicyclic Reducer Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feed axis devices in machine tools face challenges with chattering vibrations during machining, particularly with hard-to-cut materials, due to insufficient rigidity and backlash in the transmission system, leading to reduced machining accuracy and increased heat generation.
Innovation Solution
A feed axis device with epicyclic reducers connected to a single drive source and an actuator that adjusts the rotational torque applied to the fixture parts of the reducers, allowing for variable rigidity and frictional damping to mitigate chattering vibrations and heat generation, depending on machining conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the pressure between the surfaces of the engaging teeth of the two reduction drives is increased to remove backlash, then the rigidity of the power transmission system is improved for heavy cutting, but the heat generation is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic adjustment of the pressure between engaging teeth surfaces through a controllable actuator that can vary the preload force on the fixture part. This allows the system to transition from a static high-pressure state (for heavy cutting) to a dynamic state where pressure can be reduced (for light cutting or fast feed), thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining rigidity and reducing heat generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of contact pressure between gear teeth by introducing an actuator that can vary the preload force. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to different machining conditions, reducing heat generation during light cutting while maintaining sufficient rigidity during heavy cutting operations.
2Temperature
If the feeding speed is decreased to reduce heat generation, then the heat generation is reduced, but the productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of reducing feeding speed to control heat generation, the patent dynamically adjusts the pressure between engaging teeth surfaces. This allows the system to maintain high feeding speeds for productivity while controlling heat generation through variable preload, rather than being constrained by speed reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the contact pressure parameter to control heat generation, allowing feeding speed to remain high for productivity. By varying the preload force according to machining conditions, the system achieves heat control without sacrificing machining efficiency.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a parallel system with two servomotors and two gear trains is used to reduce vibrations, then the vibration damping is improved, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two separate servomotors and gear trains into a single drive source with one epicyclic reducer. The vibration damping function is achieved through the friction between engaging teeth surfaces in the epicyclic gear mechanism, eliminating the need for a complex parallel dual-motor system while maintaining effective vibration suppression.
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
The solution effectively reduces chattering vibrations and heat generation by dynamically adjusting the rigidity and frictional damping of the reduction drives, enhancing machining accuracy and efficiency across varying cutting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
increase, for heavy cutting, the rigidity of the first and second reduction drives and the vibration damping capacity frictionally between the surfaces of engaging teeth of the two reduction drives
Implementation Method 2
first and second epicyclic reducers each composed of an internal element, an outer element and an intermediate element disposed therebetween, the three elements being combined
Data Source
AI summary
The feed axis device of a machine tool is equipped with first and second planetary gear speed reducers, each of which is obtained from an inner element, outer element, and intermediate elements that are disposed between the two, the elements being disposed so as to be mutually rotatable and combined in series so that one of the three elements is a fixed section, one of the two remaining elements is the input section and the other is the output section. The element that is the input section of the first speed reducer and the element that is the input section of the second speed reducer are connected to a single drive source. The element that is the output section of the first speed reducer and the element that is the output section of the second speed reducer are connected. The feed axis device is provided with an actuator.