Machine Tool Carriage Oscillation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-axis machine tools with a trunnion type cradle obstruct operator access and pose safety risks due to interference with the pallet changer, especially when malfunctions occur.
Innovation Solution
The machine tool design features a carriage with supporting columns oriented such that one column is adjacent to the column and the other is away, allowing for improved access and safety by positioning the pallet changer on one side, enabling operators to access the workpiece from a safer distance and separating access paths from the pallet changer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a trunnion type cradle is used to support the table for oscillation, then the table can be stably supported and oscillated, but the trunnion obstructs operator access to the workpiece and creates safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the oscillation function from the traditional trunnion-type cradle and relocates it to a carriage-mounted oscillation mechanism. The trunnion is removed from the cradle structure and repositioned within the carriage, separating the support function from the oscillation function. This allows the cradle to provide stable support while the carriage handles oscillation, clearing the operator access path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a ground-based trunnion support system to a carriage-mounted oscillation system. By moving the oscillation mechanism to the carriage (which moves along the Y-axis), the system adds a dimensional aspect to the oscillation support, allowing the table to oscillate while being supported by the moving carriage rather than a fixed ground-mounted trunnion.
2Productivity
If the pallet changer is positioned in the front portion of the bed, then it can efficiently change pallets, but it interferes with operator access and creates safety risks during malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pallet changer from its traditional position in the front portion of the bed and relocates it to the right side of the bed. This spatial separation removes the pallet changer from the operator's access path while maintaining its functionality for efficient pallet changing operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the cradle is positioned to support the table, then the table can be stably supported, but the cradle structure obstructs operator access from the front
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the oscillation support function from the ground-mounted cradle and relocates it to the carriage-mounted oscillation mechanism. This removes the obstructing cradle structure from the front area, creating clear operator access space while maintaining stable table support through the carriage-based oscillation system.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool for machining a workpiece with a tool moved relative to the workpiece is provided with a bed (13) providing a base, a column (15) vertically mounted on the bed (13), and a carriage (27) having supporting columns (27a and 27b), disposed on either side thereof, for oscillatably supporting a table (35), the carriage being oriented so that one (27b) of the supporting columns (27a and 27b) is positioned adjacent the column (15) and the other (27a) of the supporting columns is positioned away from the column (15).