Combined Lathe-Milling Machine Tool for Complex Surface Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools face inefficiencies in machining metallic members with complex geometries, such as those used in electronic device housings, due to issues like intermittent contact during milling, unsuitability of lathe tools for non-rotating surfaces, and difficulty in machining peripheral sidewalls with corners, leading to reduced efficiency and the need for additional processes.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design incorporating a lathe feeding mechanism and a milling feeding mechanism that can move reciprocally and rotationally along Cartesian coordinates, allowing for three-dimensional machining of metallic members with improved precision and efficiency by using a worktable that can rotate and position the lathe tool and milling cutter effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a milling process is employed to machine the top portion, then the top portion can be machined, but tracks occur on the milled surface due to intermittent contact and interrupted milling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a lathe tool and a milling cutter into a single machine tool system with integrated feeding mechanisms. The lathe tool provides continuous rotary cutting action while the milling cutter handles peripheral sidewalls, eliminating the track marks caused by intermittent milling and improving surface finish quality without sacrificing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic feeding mechanisms where the lathe tool can reciprocate along the third direction and the milling cutter can move along Cartesian coordinates. This dynamic capability allows continuous cutting action rather than intermittent contact, eliminating tracks on the milled surface while maintaining high machining efficiency
2Manufacturing precision
If a lathe process is adapted to machine the metallic member, then continuous cutting action can be achieved, but it is difficult to tool surfaces not made for rotating and peripheral sidewalls with corners cannot be machined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal machine tool system that can perform both lathe and milling operations. The lathe tool machines the top portion with continuous rotary cutting, while the milling cutter handles peripheral sidewalls and corners. This multi-functional system overcomes the limitation of traditional lathes that cannot machine non-rotating surfaces or corners
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds dimensional capability by enabling the milling cutter to move along Cartesian coordinates (first, second, and third directions) rather than being constrained to rotary motion only. This allows the machine to access and machine peripheral sidewalls, corners, and complex geometries that are inaccessible to conventional lathe processes
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional separate lathe and milling machines are used, then each process can be optimized, but a number of additional machining processes must be added to machine the metallic member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate lathe and milling machines into a single integrated machine tool system with a common machine support, worktable, and coordinated feeding mechanisms. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate processes and additional machining operations, reducing device complexity while maintaining process optimization through specialized tools for each function
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine tool with lathe tool and milling cutter includes a machine support, a worktable, a moving device, a lathe feeding mechanism and a milling feeding mechanism. The worktable is positioned on the machine support. The moving device is slidably assembled to the machine support along a first direction and located above the worktable. The lathe feeding mechanism and the milling feeding mechanism are slidably assembled to the moving device along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The lathe feeding mechanism includes a feeding assembly and a lathe tool connected to the feeding assembly. The feeding assembly is configured for driving the lathe tool to move along a third direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second direction reciprocally, the milling feeding mechanism includes a milling cutter and is configured for driving the milling cutter to move along the third direction.