Integrated Index Plate Bearing Structure With Fewer Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional index plate structures in CNC machining centers have too many components, leading to increased material costs and prolonged machining and assembly times.
Innovation Solution
The improved index plate structure incorporates a simplified design with a hollow base, worm gear, and a bearing device comprising a first and second retaining seat forming the inner ring, a rotary disk forming the outer ring, and rollers driven by the worm gear to rotate the working disk, eliminating the need for separate inner and outer retaining rings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate inner and outer retaining rings are used to position the bearing, then the bearing can be properly positioned and supported, but the number of components increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the inner retaining ring and outer retaining ring into a single integrated bearing support structure. The bearing support structure includes both the inner and outer retaining functions in one component, eliminating the need for separate retaining rings while maintaining proper bearing positioning and support.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used in the index plate structure, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the machining and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple components into fewer unified structures. The bearing support structure combines inner and outer retaining functions, the working disk integrates the index positioning function, and the drive mechanism is simplified to reduce the total number of parts requiring machining and assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used in the index plate structure, then each component can be independently manufactured, but the material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the total number of components by combining functions into integrated structures. The bearing support structure merges inner and outer retaining rings, and the drive mechanism is simplified, resulting in fewer parts that require material and reducing overall material cost.
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 design reduces the number of components, simplifies assembly, and saves machining and assembly time while maintaining accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The worm gear is disposed in the base and driven by the drive device to rotate
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of rollers are pivotally connected to the rotary disk. The rollers extend outwardly and are spaced equally and arranged radially
Implementation Method 3
a first radial rolling element retainer, a second radial rolling element retainer opposite to the first radial rolling element retainer, and an axial rolling element retainer located between the first radial rolling element retainer and the second radial rolling element retainer are disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring of the bearing device
Data Source
AI summary
An improved index plate structure includes a base having a drive unit and a worm gear. A bearing device is disposed in the base. The bearing device includes a first retaining seat and a second retaining seat, forming an inner ring of the bearing device, and a rotary disk forming an outer ring of the bearing device. A plurality of rollers are pivoted to the rotary disk. The rollers are driven by the worm gear to rotate the rotary disk and the working disk. A first radial rolling element retainer and a second radial rolling element retainer are disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring of the bearing device. The retainers each have a plurality of rolling elements. The rolling elements are in contact with the rotary disk. The rotary disk forms the outer ring of the bearing device to drive the working disk to rotate.