Machine Tool Bed Structure for Stable Three-Leg Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machine tools face challenges in maintaining machining accuracy due to issues with bed support, such as uneven force distribution, reduced rigidity, and increased vibration, which affect the stability and precision of machining processes.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design featuring a bed with a triangular bottom surface and three support legs, along with oblique sides and reinforcement ribs, allows for stable three-point support, reduced weight, and improved rigidity, enhancing machining accuracy by adjusting the height of the legs and distributing load effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If four-point support is used for the bed, then the bed is supported at four corners, but it is difficult to achieve uniform force distribution and height adjustment at all four points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes one support point from the conventional four-point support system, transitioning to a three-point support system. This extraction simplifies the support structure and eliminates the complexity of coordinating height adjustments at four points, while maintaining bed stability through the three strategically positioned support points.
2Strength
If the bed is formed through casting to ensure strength and stability, then the bed becomes heavy, but the rigidity decreases and machining accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite construction approach where the bed is formed by combining a cast base portion with welded plate structures for the sides and top surface. This composite method allows optimization of each component - the cast portion provides foundational strength while the welded plates contribute to overall rigidity - achieving both strength and machining accuracy without the excessive weight of a fully cast bed.
Solution Approach 2:
The bed is divided into multiple segments: a cast base portion, welded side plates, and a top plate assembly. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently for its specific function while contributing to the overall structural performance, balancing strength, rigidity, and weight.
3Length of moving object
If a vertically long column is used in column-type grinding machines, then the column can support the tool shaft, but the bed thickness below the column is reduced and the bed deforms easily under column weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertically-oriented column support to a horizontally-oriented saddle support structure. By moving the support mechanism to the side rather than from above, the load is distributed across the bed's broader surface area rather than concentrating weight on a thin section, eliminating deformation issues while maintaining the necessary support height through the saddle's structural design.
4Length of moving object
If the table is made long in the sideward direction for machining workpieces, then machining capability is improved, but the overhung parts droop greatly at the movable ends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the table structure with the saddle support system, where the saddle extends to provide support beneath the entire length of the table. This merging of the table and saddle into a coordinated structure ensures that even the overhung portions of the table are supported, preventing droop while maintaining the table's extended length for machining large workpieces.
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine tool includes a bed including a bottom surface and legs arranged at three positions of the bottom surface. The bed includes two oblique sides arranged such that the bottom surface has a triangular shape. The machine tool also includes a first support surface arranged on the bed and extending along a substantially horizontal first axis, a work table supported by the first support surface so as to move along the first axis, a second support surface arranged on the bed and extending along a substantially horizontal second axis, which is perpendicular to the first axis, and a machining unit supported by the second support surface so as to move along the second axis. The second support surface is located higher than the first support surface.