Adjustable Jaw Positioning for Machining Oval Cylindrical Workpieces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional milling machines struggle to accurately and precisely form machining features like threads, grooves, and bevels on cylindrical workpieces, especially those with ovality, as they rely on symmetry about a longitudinal axis, which is impractical for larger workpieces and can result in non-uniform features due to inherent ovality.
Innovation Solution
A milling machine with a vise and jaw positioner system that includes lateral and vertical adjustment apparatuses to counteract ovality, allowing for precise engagement and retention of workpieces, even those with significant ovality, by using a programmable controller to manage drivers and adjust cutting tools for precise feature formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional milling machines are used to machine cylindrical workpieces, then the workpiece can be stationary and the cutting tool moves, but the workpiece must be symmetrical about a longitudinal axis and accurately aligned with the cutting tool, which is impractical for larger workpieces with ovality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by allowing the workpiece to have non-symmetrical oval cross-sections while still achieving uniform machining features. The system compensates for the asymmetrical shape of the workpiece through adjustable positioning mechanisms rather than requiring the workpiece to be symmetrical.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through adjustable positioning mechanisms that can adapt to different workpiece shapes and sizes. The system dynamically adjusts the positioning of the workpiece or cutting tool to maintain accurate alignment regardless of the workpiece's ovality or dimensions.
2Power
If lathes are used to machine larger workpieces, then material can be removed effectively, but rotating the workpiece becomes impractical for large diameters or when the workpiece is connected to other components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional lathe approach by keeping the workpiece stationary and moving the cutting tool instead. This allows material removal similar to a lathe without requiring workpiece rotation, making it suitable for large or connected workpieces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal machining system that can handle both small workpieces (where rotation might be feasible) and large workpieces (where rotation is impractical) using the same stationary workpiece approach, making the system multi-functional.
3Ease of operation
If mills are used to machine workpieces with ovality, then the workpiece can be processed without rotation, but the machining feature may not meet required specifications due to lack of symmetry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through measurement mechanisms that detect the actual shape and position of the workpiece, then use this information to adjust the cutting tool positioning or path to compensate for ovality and ensure accurate machining features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting positioning parameters, cutting tool coordinates, or machining parameters based on the detected workpiece geometry to maintain machining accuracy despite variations in workpiece shape.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for retaining a workpiece. In certain implementations, the apparatus may include a first jaw configured to engage a workpiece from a first side of the workpiece. In addition, the apparatus may include a second jaw configured to engage the workpiece from a second side of the workpiece, the second side opposite the first side. The apparatus may include a jaw positioner configured to move at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw laterally to engage and retain the workpiece in a stationary position, the jaw positioner having a lateral adjustment apparatus configured to counteract ovality at an end of the workpiece.