Linkage Angle Attachment Head for Continuous Spindle Indexing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing angle attachment heads in machine tool processing for deep cavity machining of box parts in aviation require manual control and cannot achieve continuous indexing machining, resulting in low efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A multi-connecting rod linkage angle attachment head with a drive mechanism including a power mechanism, connecting rod mechanism, and fixing frame, allowing for automatic and continuous indexing of the spindle, enabling linkage machining with small cutting amounts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual control of angle and length of attachment head is used, then the structure is simple, but machining efficiency is low and continuous indexing machining cannot be realized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining efficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated drive mechanism consisting of a power mechanism and connecting rod mechanism. The power mechanism includes a motor and reducer that automatically control the angle and length of the attachment head, eliminating manual operation and enabling continuous indexing machining, thus resolving the contradiction between simple structure and low productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the drive mechanism is positioned close to the spindle, then the control is more direct, but the interference range to the spindle increases and device volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic indexing capabilityVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the drive mechanism in the vertical dimension above the spindle rather than horizontally adjacent to it. The power mechanism and connecting rod mechanism are arranged vertically, with the connecting rod mechanism extending downward to connect to the spindle. This vertical arrangement reduces horizontal interference with the spindle while maintaining effective control, and the bent portion of the third connecting rod further optimizes space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed-angle and lengthened attachment heads are used, then the structure is simple, but adaptability to different machining requirements is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of angle and lengthVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the fixed-angle attachment head into a dynamic, adjustable system. The connecting rod mechanism with multiple connecting rods (first, second, and third connecting rods) linked through pins creates a kinematic chain that enables continuous adjustment of the attachment head angle and length. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to adapt to various machining requirements while maintaining a relatively compact structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12296422B2Multi-connecting rod linkage angle attachment head
Publication Date: 2025.05.13 KEDE NUMERICAL CONTROL CO LTD
  • US12296422B2 patent drawing
  • US12296422B2 patent drawing
  • US12296422B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides a multi-connecting rod linkage angle attachment head, including: a casing, a drive mechanism, and a spindle. The drive mechanism includes: a power mechanism, a connecting rod mechanism, and a fixing frame. The fixing frame is fixedly connected to an inner wall of the casing, and the power mechanism is fixedly connected to the fixing frame. The connecting rod mechanism includes: a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod and a third connecting rod. An end of the first connecting rod is rotatably connected to the fixing frame, and is fixedly connected to an output end of the power mechanism. The other end of the first connecting rod is rotatably connected to an end of the third connecting rod via a first pin. The other end of the third connecting rod is rotatably connected to an end of the second connecting rod via a second pin. The other end of the second connecting rod is fixed on a side wall of the spindle. The second connecting rod and the spindle are rotatably connected to a support bearing fixed in the casing. The drive mechanism of the present invention is far away from the spindle, and the interference range thereof to the spindle is small; the spindle can be automatically and continuously indexed, and can also perform linkage machining with small cutting amount, and thus, when the spindle swings by the same angle along a support shaft, the volume of the device is reduced; the structure is simple and the manufacturing cost is low.