Machine Tool Column Support Positioning for Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine tools with slidable columns face structural strength and stability issues due to upward movement of the headstock, leading to potential instability and increased mass when attempting to enhance rigidity.
Innovation Solution
A support member with an engageable portion is positioned higher than conventional configurations, allowing it to be supported by a guide member within the range of upward-downward headstock movement, reducing the vertical distance and mass, while increasing the bed's flexural rigidity and feed speed capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the column rigidity is increased to maintain stability during headstock movement, then the structural strength is improved, but the mass of the column increases and the machine tool size enlarges
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the support position of the column from the lower portion to a higher position within the range of headstock movement. This dimensional change in support location reduces the vertical distance to the headstock center of gravity, thereby improving stability without requiring increased column mass or size.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of support height from conventional low-position support to high-position support. By adjusting this parameter within the headstock movement range, the moment arm is reduced, improving structural stability without increasing mass.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the column mass is increased to improve structural strength, then the stability is improved, but the machine tool size and motor size increase
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the support position to a higher dimension (vertical position within headstock movement range), the invention reduces the moment arm without increasing column volume, thereby maintaining stability while avoiding machine tool upsizing.
Solution Approach 2:
The support height parameter is changed from conventional low position to high position, which reduces the required column mass for stability, thereby preventing machine tool size increase.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the column mass is increased to improve structural strength, then the stability is improved, but the motor size for driving the column increases
Solution Approach 1:
By elevating the support position to within the headstock movement range, the invention reduces the moment arm and required driving force, thereby improving stability without requiring a larger motor.
Solution Approach 2:
Changing the support height parameter reduces the gravitational moment that the motor must overcome, allowing for a smaller motor size while maintaining column stability.
Data Source
AI summary
In a machine tool, a support member to which a headstock is mounted movably in an upward-downward direction is movable so as to change a position thereof in a horizontal direction relative to that of a bed. A guide member is provided on the bed and configured to guide the support member. An engageable portion at which the support member is supported by the guide member is located in the support member at a level within a range of upward-downward movement of the headstock along the support member.