Grinding Machine Inclined Axis Manual Loading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vertical-axis grinding machines have a small footprint but are difficult to position and require automatic loading due to the vertical alignment of the part-holder spindle and tailstock, making them unsuitable for manual operation and complex to adapt for manual loading.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a part-holder spindle and tailstock aligned along a longitudinal axis that is inclined relative to the vertical axis by an angle of less than 90°, allowing for easier component positioning and supporting, combining the advantages of horizontal and vertical-axis machines, with a base design that prevents tipping and includes a supporting device for safe manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the part-holder spindle and tailstock are aligned along a vertical axis, then the machine has a reduced space requirement (smaller footprint), but the part is more difficult to position and requires automatic loading devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by inclining the longitudinal axis at an angle between 15° and 75° relative to the vertical axis. This asymmetric orientation allows the machine to maintain a compact footprint similar to vertical-axis machines while creating a slope that facilitates natural part positioning and manual loading, eliminating the need for complex automatic loading devices.
2Ease of operation
If the part-holder spindle and tailstock are aligned along a horizontal axis, then the part is easier to position manually, but the machine requires much more space (larger footprint)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from the traditional horizontal alignment (one-dimensional space occupation) to an inclined alignment in three-dimensional space. By orienting the longitudinal axis at an angle to the vertical, the machine occupies space diagonally, effectively reducing the horizontal footprint while maintaining the operational advantages of easier manual positioning.
3Ease of operation
If the longitudinal axis is inclined by an angle between 15° and 75° relative to the vertical axis, then component positioning and supporting is easier, but the machine may tip over without proper base design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a stable configuration by carefully selecting the inclination angle range (15°-75°) and corresponding base dimensions to achieve a center of gravity that ensures stability. The base is designed with sufficient width and length relative to the inclination angle, creating a stable equilibrium where the gravitational force acts through the base support area, preventing the machine from tipping over during operation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An apparatus (1) for performing grinding operations on a component (CP) comprises: a base (2), configured to rest on a supporting surface on which the apparatus (1) is positioned; a part-holder spindle (3), configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis (A) and including a gripping element, to hold the component in place; a tailstock (4), aligned with the part-holder spindle (3) along the longitudinal axis (A) and movable towards and away from the spindle (3) for keeping the component, in use, between the part-holder spindle (3) and the tailstock (4) along the longitudinal axis (A); an operating unit (5), movable along an operating direction, parallel to the longitudinal axis (A), and along a transversal direction (T), perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A). The operating unit (5) includes a first group of tools (51), configured to perform mechanical operations on the component. The longitudinal axis (A) is inclined, relative to a vertical axis (V) parallel to the direction of the weight force, by an angle of inclination (AC) of less than 90°.