Linear Indexer With Adjustable Angle Bar Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine operations face challenges in achieving precisely controlled and evenly spaced linear movements, such as drilling evenly spaced holes, due to limitations in existing indexing mechanisms which often result in cumulative errors and lack of flexibility in spacing adjustment.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a base and an upper table with an indexing mechanism that includes an angle bar and an actuating bar with a cam follower, allowing for transverse movement of the upper table in precise increments, with the ability to adjust the angle and locking mechanism for customizable spacing, enabling infinitely variable spacing from 0% to 100% of the actuating bar spacing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional indexing mechanisms are used to achieve linear movement, then machine operations can be performed, but cumulative errors occur and spacing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The indexing mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the upper table for workpiece positioning, the lower table with slot for guided movement, the angle bar for angular conversion, and the actuating bar for linear actuation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with high precision, preventing cumulative errors that would occur in a monolithic indexing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The angle bar serves as an intermediary element that converts the linear movement of the actuating bar into precise angular positioning of the upper table. This intermediary mechanism ensures that spacing precision is maintained by providing a mechanical transformation that eliminates cumulative positioning errors inherent in direct linear indexing systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed indexing mechanisms are used, then simple operation is achieved, but flexibility in spacing adjustment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The indexing mechanism incorporates dynamic adjustability through the angle bar, which can be rotated to different angles relative to the slot in the lower table. This dynamic configuration allows the spacing between indexed positions to be varied continuously from 0% to 100% of the actuating bar spacing, providing flexibility without complicating the basic operation of linear actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacing between indexed positions is controlled by changing the angular parameter of the angle bar. By adjusting this single parameter (the angle between the angle bar and the slot), the system achieves infinitely variable spacing while maintaining ease of operation through a simple rotational adjustment rather than complex reconfiguration.
3Ease of operation
If the angle bar is aligned parallel to the slot, then the indexing mechanism is simple, but the upper table becomes stationary and loses movement capability
Solution Approach 1:
The system exploits the asymmetric relationship between the angle bar and the slot to control movement. When the angle bar is at a non-zero angle relative to the slot, the geometry creates a mechanical advantage that converts actuating bar movement into upper table movement. The asymmetric angular configuration is essential for enabling movement while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The angle bar introduces a rotational dimension to the otherwise linear indexing system. By rotating the angle bar to different angles, the system transforms the one-dimensional linear actuation into controlled two-dimensional positioning of the upper table, enabling movement capability while preserving the simplicity of linear actuation.
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 allows for precise and customizable spacing in machine operations, reducing cumulative errors and providing flexible, evenly spaced movement, suitable for applications like drilling a linear series of holes with exact spacing, while accommodating various mechanical requirements.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator bar slidably mounted in the angle bar, the actuating bar comprising a cam follower which slides within the upper table slot
Data Source
AI summary
A linear dividing indexer has an upper table which moves transversely linear relative to a base. The upper table defines a slot disposed at an angle with the transverse direction of movement and includes an indexing mechanism formed from (a) an angle bar pivotally mounted to the base and an actuator bar slidably mounted in the angle bar, the actuating bar having a cam follower which slides within the upper table slot; and (b) wherein when the angle bar is at an angle to the slot, linear movement of the actuating bar within the angle bar causes transverse linear movement of upper table relative to the base.