Machine Tool Workpiece Holder Beam Guide Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools for machining flat workpieces face challenges in avoiding collisions between guides and equipment, leading to potential damage and limitations in flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The machine tool design features adjustable beams with guides arranged below the upper surface, allowing carriages to move without contact, and includes multiple carriages with adjustable blocking members, such as suction cups, to securely hold workpieces while preventing collisions with the guides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If guides are arranged on the upper surface of the beam for carriage movement, then carriages can be easily guided, but the guides are at risk of being hit by equipment and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The guides are relocated from the upper surface of the beam to the lateral surfaces of the beam. This spatial relocation moves the guides to a different dimension (from top surface to side surfaces), allowing carriages to be guided while protecting the guides from being hit by equipment placed on the upper surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If equipment is mounted on the upper surface of the beam, then workpiece holding functionality is improved, but the risk of collision with guides increases
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning guides on the lateral surfaces rather than the upper surface, the patent separates the guidance function from the equipment mounting area. This allows equipment to be freely mounted on the upper surface for various workpiece holding applications without creating collision risks with the guides, which are now located in a different spatial zone.
3Ease of manufacture
If guides are positioned at the upper surface level, then carriage engagement is simplified, but the guides are more exposed to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The guides are positioned on the lateral surfaces of the beam at a level that provides both easy engagement for carriages and protection from damage. This lateral positioning allows carriages to engage the guides from the side while the guides remain below the upper surface level, reducing their exposure to potential impacts from equipment.
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 design enhances the functionality of workpiece holders by reducing the risk of damage and improving the flexibility in handling various workpiece sizes and shapes, allowing for efficient and precise machining without compromising the integrity of the guides.
Implementation Method 1
The carriage can be provided with blocking members, in this case of suction type
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~3A
AI summary
The machine tool (1) comprises: - at least one work head (9) adapted to support at least one tool (21); - at least one workpiece holder (30) comprising two substantially parallel beams (31) arranged at a distance adjustable orthogonally to the longitudinal extension of the beams, each of which is provided with at least one upper surface (31S); - on each beam (31) at least one carriage (35) movable along the longitudinal extension of the beam (31) by means of guides (33) fastened to the beam (31); the guides (33) of the carriages (35) are arranged below the height of the upper surface (31S) of the beam (31).