Modular Gear Cutting Machine for Integrated Drilling and Hobbing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gear cutting machines are limited to creating the envelope of tooth spaces on a workpiece and require additional machining operations that necessitate the use of different machine tools and precise alignment procedures.
Innovation Solution
A gear cutting machine with advanced supporting and rotation mechanisms, including first and second supporting means, rotation means, and translation means along multiple axes, allowing for integrated machining operations such as drilling and eliminating the need for precise alignment between different machining steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional gear cutting machine is used, then the envelope of tooth spaces can be created on the workpiece, but additional machining operations require different machine tools and precise alignment procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The gear cutting machine is designed to perform multiple machining operations including gear tooth envelope creation, drilling, and other machining operations on the workpiece. The machine incorporates a tool carrier module with multiple tool holders that can accommodate different tools such as hob tools for gear cutting and drill bits for drilling operations, allowing a single machine to replace multiple specialized machine tools
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple machining functions and tool holders into a single integrated gear cutting machine. The tool carrier module merges the capabilities of gear cutting, drilling, and other machining operations into one machine system, eliminating the need for separate machine tools and complex alignment procedures between different machines
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple machine tools are used for different machining operations, then comprehensive machining can be performed, but precise and expensive centering instruments are required for alignment
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple machining operations and tool holders into a single gear cutting machine, the invention eliminates the need for transferring workpieces between different machine tools. This integration removes the requirement for precise and expensive centering instruments, as all machining operations are performed on the same machine with the workpiece remaining in a fixed position
3Productivity
If a single machine performs multiple machining operations, then efficiency is enhanced and costs are reduced, but the machine structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The gear cutting machine is designed as a universal machine capable of performing gear tooth envelope creation, drilling, and other machining operations. The tool carrier module with multiple tool holders allows different tools to be mounted on the same shaft, enabling the machine to switch between operations without requiring complex reconfiguration or multiple separate machines
Solution Approach 2:
The machine structure is segmented into modular components including the tool carrier module with multiple independent tool holders. Each tool holder can accommodate different tools and be positioned independently, allowing the machine to perform multiple operations while maintaining a manageable and organized structure that avoids excessive complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns a gear cutting machine (10) comprising: - first supporting means (11) positioned opposite each other; - a first shaft (12) whose ends are constrained to the first supporting means (11) and which is configured to support a workpiece (G); - first rotation means (13) configured to rotate the first supporting means (11); - second supporting means (15) positioned opposite each other; - a hob tool (14) operatively connected to the second supporting means (15); - second rotation means (17) configured to rotate the second supporting means (15); - at least one tool carrier module (20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520) operatively connected to the second supporting means (15); said at least one tool carrier module (20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520) comprises a rotary assembly (21, 221, 421) configured to receive a mechanical power (P) as an input from the second rotation means (17) and at least one output (22a, 22b) configured to support a tool (T); said at least one tool carrier module (20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520) also comprises transmission means (23, 123) configured to transmit the mechanical power (P) from the rotary assembly (21, 221, 421) to at least one output (22a, 22b) and a containment body (40); furthermore, the containment body (40) is configured to support the rotary assembly (21, 221, 421), said at least one output (22a, 22b) and the transmission means (23, 123).