Inverse Turning Machine With Independent Radial Tool Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reverse turning machines, such as Escomatic DX automatic lathes, are limited by cam-controlled movements, which restrict flexibility and independence in tool positioning, making it difficult to manufacture complex parts requiring multiple tools with independent radial control.

Innovation Solution

A reverse turning machine with a frame, workpiece holder, and a tool doll carrying at least three tools, each with a booster fixed to the frame, and a transmission mechanism controlled by servomotors to independently position each tool, allowing for up to five axes of control, including material advance and radial tool positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If cam-controlled movements are used in reverse turning machines, then the machine structure is simpler and more reliable, but the flexibility and independence in tool positioning is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in tool positioningVSAvoidmachine structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine is divided into independent control units, with each tool having its own servomotor for radial positioning. This segmentation allows each tool to be controlled independently, providing flexibility for complex parts while maintaining a modular structure that doesn't overly complicate the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static cam-controlled movements to dynamic servomotor-controlled positioning. The servomotors can dynamically adjust the radial position of each tool independently, enabling flexible adaptation to different part geometries and machining requirements while maintaining a relatively simple machine structure through software control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If multiple tools are mounted on a rotating tool holder, then productivity increases through simultaneous machining, but the ability to independently control each tool's radial position is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous machining capabilityVSAvoidindependent tool position control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Each tool mounted on the rotating holder is equipped with its own servomotor for radial positioning. This segmentation enables simultaneous machining with multiple tools while maintaining independent control over each tool's radial position, allowing the system to achieve both high productivity and the flexibility needed for complex parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses servomotors with feedback control for each tool's radial positioning. This allows real-time adjustment and precise control of each tool's position during simultaneous machining operations, ensuring that independence in tool positioning is maintained even while multiple tools operate concurrently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If fewer servomotors are used to control the machine axes, then costs are reduced and reliability increases, but the radial position of tools cannot be controlled independently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine reliabilityVSAvoidindependent tool positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using fewer servomotors to control all tools, the system segments the control function by assigning individual servomotors to each tool for radial positioning. This approach maintains high reliability through proven servomotor technology while achieving the adaptability needed for independent tool positioning and complex part manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3609644B1Inverse-turning machine
Publication Date: 2022.11.09 VENTURA MECANICS
  • EP3609644B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3609644B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3609644B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Inverse-turning machine (1) for turning material (2) using tools (17) that rotate around the material, comprising: a structure (4); a tool post (15) rotating around the material (2) and bearing at least three tools (17a–17d); one servomotor (11a–11d) per said tool, the said servomotor being fixed relative to the structure; a transmission mechanism for commanding, via the corresponding servomotor, the position of each tool (17a-17d) with respect to the tool post (15).