Lock Cylinder Machining with Rotatable Workpiece Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for machining lock cylinders are limited in that they can only access exposed surfaces, making it difficult to machine non-accessible surfaces, which reduces productivity and automation.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a repositioning station that alternately configures a workpiece into different machining positions, allowing different parts of the workpiece to be accessed by machining stations, enabling efficient and automated machining of both accessible and non-accessible surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the workpiece is gripped in a fixed configuration by the gripping element, then the gripping is simple and stable, but the tools cannot access non-exposed surfaces requiring multiple mounting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping element is made rotatable about the main operating axis, transforming from a static to a dynamic configuration. This allows the workpiece to be repositioned between different machining configurations (first and second configurations) without removing it from the machine, enabling tools to access previously non-exposed surfaces while maintaining a simple gripping mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds rotational movement around the main operating axis as a new degree of freedom. This dimensional change allows the workpiece to present different surfaces to the tools by rotating between 0° and 180° positions, transforming a single-configuration limitation into a multi-configuration capability
2Productivity
If the workpiece is removed and remounted to machine non-accessible surfaces, then all surfaces can be machined, but productivity is reduced due to time-consuming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable gripping element enables continuous machining operations by allowing the workpiece to be repositioned within the machine without removal. The workpiece can be machined in the first configuration, then rotated to the second configuration for additional machining, eliminating idle time associated with removal and remounting operations
Solution Approach 2:
The workpiece itself serves as the mounting fixture through the rotatable gripping element. The gripping element's rotation capability allows the workpiece to self-reposition between configurations, reducing the need for external intervention and complex automation systems for workpiece handling
3Manufacturing precision
If only exposed surfaces are machined in a single configuration, then the machining process is simple and fast, but non-accessible surfaces cannot be machined
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable gripping element dynamic configuration system allows the workpiece to be presented in either the first machining configuration or the second machining configuration. This enables complete machining of all surfaces including previously non-accessible ones, with the rotation serving as an efficient time-saving mechanism compared to removal and remounting
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for machining lock cylinders. It includes a first operating group having a machining station and a repositioning station, and a second operating group having a gripping station configured to grip and release a workpiece. The gripping station supports a workpiece in a first machining configuration, for performing a first machining operation thereon, and in a second machining configuration, for performing a second machining operation thereon. The second configuration is different from the first machining configuration to expose different parts of the workpiece to the machining station following repositioning of the workpiece between the first and second configurations. The gripping station is configured to reposition the workpiece between the first machining configuration and the second machining configuration. A method for machining lock cylinders is also disclosed.