Lock Cylinder Machining Repositioning for Full Surface Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for machining lock cylinders are limited in their ability to access and efficiently machine all surfaces of the cylinder, including those hidden by gripping elements, leading to reduced productivity and difficulty in automation.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a first and second operating group, comprising machining and gripping stations, and a repositioning station that allows the workpiece to be repositioned between different machining configurations, enabling access to all surfaces through a first and second machining configuration facilitated by repositioning bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the workpiece is gripped by gripping elements to maintain stationary positioning, then the workpiece stability is improved, but the surfaces gripped by the gripping elements cannot be accessed by tools, reducing manufacturing capability
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs dynamic repositioning of the workpiece between different machining configurations. The workpiece is rotated or repositioned on the machining center to expose previously hidden surfaces to tool access, allowing continuous machining without removing and remounting the workpiece.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a temporal dimension to the machining process by implementing multiple machining configurations (first configuration, second configuration, third configuration). This allows the system to access surfaces from different angular positions and orientations, effectively adding dimensional flexibility to overcome the gripping obstruction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the workpiece is removed from the machine and remounted to machine hidden surfaces, then surface accessibility is improved, but time is lost and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus maintains continuous useful action by keeping the workpiece on the machining center throughout the entire machining process. Multiple machining configurations are executed sequentially without removing the workpiece, eliminating idle time associated with remounting operations and maintaining continuous productive machining.
Solution Approach 2:
The workpiece is initially positioned in a first machining configuration that allows access to certain surfaces. The system then performs preliminary repositioning actions to transition to second and third configurations, enabling systematic access to all surfaces in a pre-planned sequence without interruption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the workpiece is remounted on another machine for subsequent machining, then surface accessibility is improved, but device complexity and automation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The machining center is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple machining operations on all surfaces of the workpiece within a single setup. The apparatus integrates multiple machining configurations and tool capabilities into one universal machine, eliminating the need for multiple specialized machines and reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution merges multiple machining capabilities and configurations into a single integrated apparatus. By combining the ability to machine surfaces from multiple configurations and orientations in one machine, the system reduces the number of separate machines and operations required, simplifying the overall manufacturing system.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2F
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus (100) for machining lock cylinders, comprising: - a first operating group comprising first stations which comprise at least one machining station (10) and a repositioning station (20); - a second operating group comprising at least one gripping station (30) configured to grip and release a workpiece. In particular, the at least one gripping station (30) is configured to support a workpiece alternately in a first machining configuration, for performing at least one first machining operation thereon, and in a second machining configuration, for performing at least one second machining operation thereon, where the second configuration is different from the first machining configuration so as to expose to the at least one machining station (10) different parts of the workpiece, following repositioning of the workpiece between the first configuration and the second configuration. Moreover, the gripping station (20) is configured to reposition the workpiece between the first machining configuration and the second machining configuration. The present invention also relates to a method for machining lock cylinders.