Feeding Device for Continuous Curved Surface Machining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current machine tools experience decreased machining efficiency when transitioning between machining positions on a workpiece, particularly when moving a cutter to a new position for machining a curved surface, as this process is time-consuming and disrupts continuous cutting.

Innovation Solution

A feeding device with linear motors and a controller that allows the cutter to move along X, Y, and Z axes, enabling continuous machining by eliminating the need for the device to lift and move to a new position, using a combination of sliding rails and driving mechanisms for precise control and high-speed reciprocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the feeding device lifts and moves to a new position after machining the first position, then the cutter can machine different positions of the workpiece, but the machining efficiency decreases due to time consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to machine different positionsVSAvoidmachining efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous cutting by enabling the cutter to machine different positions of the workpiece without lifting and repositioning the feeding device. The cutter oscillates along the Z-axis while the workpiece rotates, allowing uninterrupted material removal across multiple positions, thereby eliminating idle time and maintaining continuous useful action throughout the machining process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the feeding device moves to a new position, then different areas of the workpiece can be machined, but time is lost during the movement process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to machine different areasVSAvoidtime consumption during repositioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from linear repositioning in one dimension to multi-dimensional simultaneous motion. The cutter oscillates along the Z-axis (vertical dimension) while the workpiece rotates (angular dimension), enabling the machining of different areas through coordinated motion in multiple dimensions rather than sequential repositioning, thereby eliminating time loss during movement

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

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

This solution enhances machining efficiency by allowing continuous cutting without the need for device repositioning, reducing time consumption and eliminating the need for additional polishing processes, resulting in a more efficient machining process for curved surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

two linear motors 471 are respectively installed on two opposite surfaces of the mounting seat 431. The two linear motors 471 are used for driving the tool holder 45 to undergo a reciprocating motion at high speed along the direction of the Z-axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear motor: Linear Motor

Data Source

PatentUS9381607B2Feeding device and machine tool using the same
Publication Date: 2016.07.05 HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO LTD
  • US9381607B2 patent drawing
  • US9381607B2 patent drawing
  • US9381607B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A feeding device includes a tool holder, a cutter, a feeding mechanism and a mounting seat. The cutter is positioned on the tool holder. The mounting seat has at least one guiding portion. The tool holder is engaged with the at least one guiding portion. The feeding mechanism drives the tool holder and the cutter to controllably reciprocate along the at least one gliding portion.