Machine Tool Chuck Orientation Change Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional machining lines for crankshafts require a special mechanism to change the orientation of workpieces, leading to increased complexity and cost due to the need for additional machinery and longer processing times.

Innovation Solution

A machine tool with a pair of chucks and driving parts that control the clamping and rotation of workpieces to change their orientation from a first to a second orientation without the need for a separate mechanism, achieved through controlled clamping and rotation procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a special mechanism is added to change the orientation of workpieces in the machining line, then the workpiece orientation can be changed between steps, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece orientation change capabilityVSAvoidmachining line complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the workpiece orientation change function with the existing chuck rotation mechanism. The chuck that already rotates the workpiece during machining is also used to change the orientation between steps, merging two functions into one existing component, thereby avoiding additional complexity while achieving adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The chuck is given multiple functions: it not only clamps and rotates the workpiece during machining but also changes the workpiece orientation between different machining steps. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate orientation change mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a special mechanism is added to change the orientation of workpieces, then the workpiece can be reoriented for different machining steps, but the machining line length and construction cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece orientation change capabilityVSAvoidmachining line length

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The orientation change function is merged into the existing chuck rotation mechanism, allowing the workpiece to be reoriented in place during the machining process. This eliminates the need for additional orientation change stations or mechanisms, thereby shortening the overall machining line length while maintaining the capability to change workpiece orientation between steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the workpiece orientation is changed using a separate mechanism, then different orientations can be achieved for different steps, but additional machinery and costs are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece orientation change capabilityVSAvoidmachining line construction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The chuck is designed to perform multiple functions including clamping, rotating during machining, and changing workpiece orientation between steps. By making the existing chuck multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate orientation change machinery, thereby reducing construction costs while maintaining full adaptability for different workpiece orientations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The chuck serves itself by performing both the machining rotation and the orientation change function. The same mechanism that rotates the workpiece during machining is also used to reorient it between steps, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for additional dedicated machinery, thus reducing overall system cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9114459B2Machine tool

Publication Date: 2015.08.25 KOMATSU NTC LTD

AI summary

A machine tool tier machining a bar-shaped workpiece loaded in a first orientation includes first and second chucks, first and second driving parts, a machining tool and a control part. Each of the first and second chucks has a workpiece drop opening that opens toward the outside in a radial direction from a middle portion of the first or second chuck. The first and second driving parts are respectively provided to rotate the first and second chucks. The machining tool is configured to machine the workpiece clamped by at least one of the first and second chucks. The control part is configured to control clamping of the workpiece by the first and second chucks and to control rotation angles of the first and second chucks by the first and second driving parts to change an orientation of the workpiece from the first orientation to a second orientation.