Gimbal Hinge Drilling Head Intersecting Pivot Axes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing five-axis machine tools for machining metals and composite materials face limitations in achieving precise orientation and movement, particularly due to the non-intersecting horizontal and vertical pivot axes (A and B) which result in reduced travel range and increased complexity in piloting, leading to irregular surface machining and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The milling head design incorporates pivot axes A and B that intersect at 90°, allowing for a large angular displacement with a single dimension offset, utilizing a Z-axis slider and a central core with torque motors and planetary speed reducers for precise and powerful movement, enabling free movement within a hemispherical volume and reducing geometric defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the milling head uses non-intersecting horizontal and vertical pivot axes (A and B), then the device can achieve multi-axis movement capability, but the travel range is reduced and piloting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by making the pivot axes A and B intersect at 90° rather than being offset and non-intersecting. This inversion simplifies the kinematic relationships and reduces piloting complexity while maintaining multi-axis movement capability. The intersecting axes configuration eliminates the need for complex offset compensation calculations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the milling head uses non-intersecting horizontal and vertical pivot axes (A and B), then the device can achieve multi-axis movement capability, but the travel range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by making the pivot axes A and B intersect at 90° rather than being offset and non-intersecting. This inversion extends the travel range by eliminating geometric constraints imposed by offset axes, allowing the milling head to access a broader workspace volume while maintaining multi-axis movement capability.
3Length of moving object
If the milling head uses intersecting pivot axes A and B at 90°, then the travel range and angular displacement are increased, but the structural design becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the milling head into distinct functional modules: a support movable along linear axes X, Y, Z; a Z-axis slider; and a milling head with pivot axes A and B. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured and adjusted independently, easing the structural design constraints despite the intersecting axes configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable parameters including the position of pivot axes A and B relative to the spindle axis, and the ability to adjust the angle between axes A and B. These parameter changes allow optimization of the intersecting axes configuration to balance travel range with manufacturability and structural constraints.
4Device complexity
If the milling head uses offset pivot axes A and B, then the angular displacement is limited, but the machine structure appears simpler
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional offset axes configuration by implementing intersecting pivot axes A and B at 90°. This inversion increases the angular displacement capability and reduces machining time, while the modular segmented structure keeps the overall machine design manageable.
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 configuration enhances machining precision and efficiency by allowing greater freedom of movement, reducing material removal irregularities, and saving time during complex part machining, while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a Z-axis slider and a central core with torque motors and planetary speed reducers for precise and powerful movement
Implementation Method 2
The milling head (1) comprises means for pivoting along horizontal pivot axes A and B that intersect at 90°... utilizing a Z-axis slider and a central core with torque motors and planetary speed reducers
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
The invention relates to a drilling head (1) that comprises a drilling bit (9) mounted at the end of a bit-bearing unit (8). It is hinged on a Z-axis slide (2) of a bearing (4) mobile along the linear axes X, Y, Z, by a member that comprises a central core (7) and enables a pivotal hinging and orientation of the bit-bearing unit along the horizontal pivot axes A and B respectively associated with the linear axes X and Y so that the pivotal axes A and B intersect at 90°. The drive of axis B is housed in the flasks (5, 6) extending from the slide and in the lower portion thereof, and the drive of axis A is housed in the central core and in the flasks (13, 14) defining an extension of the bit-bearing unit. The invention can be used by manufacturers of five-axis machining tools for metals or composite materials.