Indexing Head Dual-Axis Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indexing heads with two rotating axes lack independent and efficient mechanisms for locking and unlocking, leading to energy inefficiency and mechanical wear, as they often require manual or motorized mechanisms that operate beyond the desired position, affecting precision and durability.
Innovation Solution
The indexing head employs two independent locking mechanisms for each rotating axis, utilizing an array of ball bearings and cylindrical rollers with a 5° separation, along with servomotors and springs to achieve precise positioning and mechanical locking, reducing energy consumption and wear by only activating motors during movement and using springs for initial position return.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual or motorized locking mechanism is used for both rotating axes, then the positioning can be locked, but the mechanism operates beyond the desired position causing energy inefficiency and mechanical wear
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two independent parts: a spring-loaded return mechanism for one axis and a motorized locking mechanism for the other axis. This allows each axis to be locked independently only when needed, preventing energy waste from operating both axes beyond their desired positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides periodic return action to the initial position, while the motor provides periodic locking action only when the desired position is reached. This periodic operation reduces continuous energy consumption and mechanical wear compared to continuous motor operation.
2Reliability
If a motorized locking mechanism is used for both rotating axes, then the positioning can be locked, but the motors operate continuously causing mechanical wear
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented between spring and motor, with the spring handling the return motion and the motor handling only the locking motion. This reduces motor operation time and mechanical wear while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism serves itself to return the axis to its initial position without motor assistance, reducing motor operation time and mechanical wear while maintaining positioning accuracy.
3Device complexity
If a common manual mechanism is used to lock both axes, then the structure is simple, but the precision and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two independent systems: a spring-loaded return mechanism for one axis and a motorized locking mechanism for the other axis. This allows each axis to be locked independently only when needed, preventing energy waste from operating both axes beyond their desired positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides periodic return action to the initial position, while the motor provides periodic locking action only when the desired position is reached. This periodic operation reduces continuous energy consumption and mechanical wear compared to continuous motor operation.
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 solution enables precise and repeatable positioning with reduced energy consumption and mechanical wear, improving the durability and efficiency of the indexing head by ensuring the axes are only locked when in the desired position, and using springs to return to the initial position.
Implementation Method 1
using springs to return to the initial position
Implementation Method 2
utilizing an array of ball bearings and cylindrical rollers
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Indexing head with two rotating axes, with a first rotating axis A perpendicular to the fixing position with regard to the mode of operation of the head, and with a second rotating axis B in the axis of the fixing direction, in turn defining an upper part of the fixed head in relation to the B axis and a lower part of the head, which moves in relation to axes A and B; and which comprises a principal servomotor A (40) and a position locking mechanism on the A axis arranged on said part of the lower head; and a principal servomotor B (21) for rotation on the B axis with a position locking mechanism on the B axis arranged on said upper part of the head.