Machine Tool Automatic Tool Changer with Movable Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools with automatic tool changers (ATCs) face long non-machining times due to the tool rest needing to move a significant distance for tool changes, and the movable tool magazine is heavy and complex, limiting speed and storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool with a movable tool changing unit that reduces distances by selecting a pre-defined changing position, allowing the tool changing unit and spindle to move short distances for tool changes, utilizing a linearly driven servomotor and swiveling arm with tool grippers to efficiently transfer tools between the magazine and spindle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the tool rest moves to a predetermined tool changing position for tool replacement, then the tool can be changed automatically, but the tool rest has to move a long distance resulting in long non-machining time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tool changing function into two independent parts: (1) a movable tool changing unit that can quickly transfer tools at multiple positions along the machining area, and (2) a stationary tool magazine. This segmentation allows the tool changing unit to operate locally without requiring the entire tool rest to travel long distances, thereby reducing non-machining time while maintaining automatic tool changing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool changing unit is designed to be movable along the machining area with multiple changing positions, rather than being fixed at a single predetermined location. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to select optimal changing positions closer to the current machining location, minimizing the distance the tool rest must travel and reducing non-machining time.
2Extent of automation
If a movable tool magazine is used for tool changing, then tools can be transferred automatically, but the heavy and complex mechanism limits moving speed and storage capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the movable tool changing unit from the stationary tool magazine. The tool magazine remains fixed and can be designed with large storage capacity without speed constraints, while the lightweight tool changing unit moves quickly to transfer tools. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing the magazine to be heavy for storage while the moving unit is light for speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool changing unit acts as an intermediary between the stationary tool magazine and the tool rest. It receives tools from the magazine and transfers them to the tool rest at selected changing positions, enabling automatic tool transfer without requiring the entire magazine to move. This intermediary approach allows the magazine to remain stationary with high storage capacity while the lightweight changer moves at high speed.
3Loss of time
If the tool changing unit and tool spindle move reduced distances for tool changes, then non-machining time is shortened, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tool changing unit is designed with multi-functionality: it can move to multiple changing positions along the machining area, transfer tools between the magazine and tool rest, and serve different machining locations. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into a single unit, reducing the need for separate mechanisms at each position and thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while achieving reduced movement distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-selects optimal changing positions along the machining area before tool changing operations. By preliminarily determining which changing positions will be used based on the current machining location and tool requirements, the system minimizes unnecessary movement and optimizes the tool changing process without requiring complex real-time decision-making mechanisms, thus limiting complexity increase.
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 solution significantly reduces non-machining time by minimizing the movement of the tool changing unit and spindle, enhancing efficiency and allowing for a higher number of tools to be stored, while maintaining a simple and lightweight structure.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a linearly driven servomotor and swiveling arm with tool grippers to efficiently transfer tools
Implementation Method 2
swiveling arm with tool grippers to efficiently transfer tools between the magazine and spindle
Data Source
AI summary
A tool changing unit moves between a magazine position and a changing position to transfer a tool. A machine tool has a plurality of tool changing positions. One of the tool changing positions is selected in advance for changing the tools next time. The tool changing unit and the tool mounted on a tool spindle move to the selected changing position for changing the tools in the selected changing position. Accordingly, the tool changing unit and the tool spindle move respective short distances for changing the tools, thereby shortening the non-machining time of a machine tool combined with the automatic tool changer.