Internal Gear Workpiece Handling to Shorten Chip-to-Chip Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for loading and unloading internally toothed workpieces in gear cutting machines are inefficient, leading to prolonged 'chip-to-chip' times due to the need for extensive movements of the holding device, which occupy valuable machining space and limit the operational efficiency of gear cutting tools.
Innovation Solution
The holding device performs an evasive movement that deviates from the return movement, releasing the machining space and allowing for the use of the remaining space within the internal gearing for holding and positioning, thereby reducing the time required for loading, unloading, and machining operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the holding device performs extensive return movements to release the machining space after loading, then the workpiece can be properly loaded and positioned, but the machining space remains occupied for too long, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is divided into multiple holding arms (first, second, third holding arms) that can move independently or in coordinated segments. This segmentation allows different parts of the holding device to perform different functions simultaneously - some arms remain in place to maintain workpiece positioning while others perform evasive movements to clear the machining space, thereby reducing overall repositioning time without compromising loading accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device utilizes three-dimensional space by performing evasive movements that deviate from the traditional return path. Instead of simply retracting along the loading axis, the holding arms execute complex spatial trajectories that clear the machining space more efficiently. This dimensional approach allows the holding device to release the machining space while maintaining workpiece support, significantly reducing the time the space remains occupied
2Reliability
If the holding device occupies the machining space during loading and unloading, then the workpiece can be securely held, but the gear cutting tool cannot begin machining immediately, increasing chip-to-chip time
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device performs evasive movements before the gear cutting tool begins machining. By anticipating the need to clear the machining space, the holding arms reposition themselves in advance, allowing the tool to start cutting immediately without waiting for the holding device to complete its retraction. This preliminary action maintains workpiece security during loading while eliminating delays in the machining cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device transitions from a static holding position to dynamic evasive movements during the machining cycle. The holding arms are designed to be movable and adaptable, capable of executing complex trajectories that clear the machining space while maintaining workpiece support where needed. This dynamic behavior allows the system to balance reliability and productivity by adjusting the holding device's position in real-time based on the machining cycle phase
3Device complexity
If the holding device follows the traditional return movement path, then the structure is simple, but it does not release the machining space efficiently, leading to prolonged idle time for the gear cutting tool
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device executes evasive movements that utilize three-dimensional space rather than following a simple linear return path. The holding arms perform coordinated movements in multiple directions (radial, axial, and tangential components) to clear the machining space efficiently. While this adds movement complexity, the structured approach using defined evasive trajectories ensures that the space is released quickly, minimizing the trade-off between device complexity and time loss
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for mounting and dismounting a workpiece having, or to be provided with, an internal toothing into and from a clamped position. According to the method, the workpiece, which is held in a holding device, is moved into the clamped position by carrying out a presenting movement, so as to undergo, in the clamped state, an internal toothing treatment by a toothing tool occupying a treatment space, and after the treatment, held by the holding device, is returned from the clamped position in a return movement. Prior to the treatment, the holding device is made to perform an evasive movement which differs from the return movement / the presenting movement in reverse and which frees the treatment space, or the treatment space is already kept free by the holding device when the clamped position is reached.