Automobile Hub Positioning Fixture With Micro-Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automobile hub machining technologies face challenges with precision due to large positioning errors, inflexibility in accommodating hubs of different sizes, excessive cutting fluid consumption, and environmental and health hazards from conventional lubrication methods.
Innovation Solution
A system for intelligent cleaning and precision machining of automobile hubs, featuring a positioning mechanism with U-shaped blocks, linear guide rails, and a micro-lubrication apparatus that includes a nozzle, pneumatic frequency generator, and liquid level sensor, enabling self-positioning and clamping of hubs of different sizes while minimizing cutting fluid usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If conventional pouring lubrication is used, then machining process is simple, but cutting fluid consumption is excessive and causes environmental pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous ceramic materials as filtration media in the cutting fluid circulation system. The porous structure allows for effective filtration of metal chips and contaminants while maintaining fluid flow, enabling reduced cutting fluid consumption through efficient recycling and reuse of the same fluid volume multiple times.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automated filtration and circulation mechanisms that continuously clean and reuse cutting fluid without manual intervention. The porous ceramic filters automatically trap contaminants, and the circulation pump continuously recycles the filtered fluid back to the machining area, eliminating the need for frequent manual fluid replacement and reducing overall consumption.
2Productivity
If manual fixture replacement is performed for different hub specifications, then machining accuracy can be maintained, but machining efficiency decreases due to shutdown time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal fixture system with adjustable clamping mechanisms that can accommodate multiple hub specifications within a single fixture. The fixture includes movable clamping arms and adjustable positioning elements that can be reconfigured for different hub sizes and geometries, allowing one fixture to perform multiple functions and eliminating the need for frequent fixture replacements while maintaining machining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture incorporates dynamic, adjustable components including movable clamping arms with variable positioning and adjustable support elements. These dynamic features allow the fixture to adapt its geometry and clamping force to match different hub specifications, enabling continuous operation across multiple part types without sacrificing positioning accuracy or requiring complete fixture changes.
3Manufacturing precision
If clamping force is concentrated on thin hub rim, then clamping mechanism is simple, but hub deformation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is segmented into multiple distributed contact points rather than a single concentrated force application. The clamping arms are divided into sections that contact the hub rim at multiple locations, distributing the total clamping force across several points. This segmentation prevents localized stress concentration that would cause deformation of the thin hub rim while maintaining effective clamping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using softer, more compliant clamping surfaces at the contact points with the hub rim. The clamping pads are made of materials with higher elasticity and conformability that locally adapt to the hub rim surface, distributing pressure more evenly across the contact area. This local modification of material properties prevents deformation while maintaining adequate clamping force for positioning accuracy.
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 system achieves precise machining of hubs of various sizes with reduced cutting fluid consumption, improved environmental safety, and enhanced machining efficiency through automated processes.
Implementation Method 1
a ball head with screw is disposed on each L-shaped support
Implementation Method 2
three wedges are driven by a third driving apparatus to move radially along the lower mounting plate. Inclined surfaces of the wedges are mated with the top bar assemblies
Implementation Method 3
A first linear guide rail is fixed between every two adjacent U-shaped blocks, and is disposed radially along the upper mounting plate
Data Source
AI summary
A system for machining and positioning an automobile hub and a production line for intelligent cleaning and precision, including upper and lower mounting plates connected vertically. At least three U-shaped blocks are fixed on a top surface of the upper plate. An L-shaped support is mounted between every two blocks, including a screw-equipped ball head disposed thereon. The support is driven by a first driving apparatus to move along the upper mounting plate. A slidable chuck is disposed in each block, with a push rod assembly connected to the bottom. The assembly is driven by a second driving apparatus to move along the upper mounting plate with the chuck. Three wedges are circumferentially fixed on a top surface of the lower plate and are driven by a third driving apparatus to move along the lower plate. Inclined surfaces of the wedges are mated with bottoms of the push rod assemblies.