Machine Tool Feeding Device Continuous Curved Surface Machining

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current machine tools experience reduced machining efficiency when transitioning between machining positions on a workpiece, as the feeding device needs to lift and move significant distances, consuming time and decreasing productivity.

Innovation Solution

A machine tool design incorporating a feeding device with linear motors and a cross beam mechanism that allows the cutter to move along X, Y, and Z axes, enabling continuous machining of curved surfaces without the need for extensive repositioning, utilizing alternating magnetic fields to drive the tool holder and cutter for high-speed reciprocation along the Z-axis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the feeding device is driven to lift and move to a second position after machining the first position, then the workpiece can be machined at different positions, but the machining efficiency is decreased due to the time-consuming repositioning process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to machine different positionsVSAvoidmachining efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous machining by enabling the cutter to machine multiple positions of the workpiece without the feeding device needing to lift and reposition. The cutter moves along X, Y, and Z axes to access different positions while maintaining continuous contact with the workpiece, eliminating idle repositioning time and ensuring the useful machining action continues uninterrupted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces multi-axis movement capability, allowing the cutter to move along three dimensions (X, Y, and Z axes) to reach different positions of the workpiece. This dimensional approach replaces the traditional two-dimensional repositioning (lifting and moving in one plane) with three-dimensional motion, enabling continuous machining across the workpiece surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the cutter moves along X, Y, and Z axes to machine curved surfaces continuously, then machining efficiency is enhanced, but the device complexity increases due to the multi-axis feeding mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining efficiencyVSAvoidfeeding device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple movement functions into a single integrated feeding device that can simultaneously or sequentially move the cutter along X, Y, and Z axes. This merging of translation functions into one coordinated mechanism achieves continuous multi-position machining while managing structural complexity through integration rather than separate independent mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a linear motor to drive the feeding device, replacing traditional mechanical transmission systems with direct electromagnetic drive. This substitution simplifies the mechanical structure by eliminating complex gear trains, belts, and linkages, while enabling precise control of multi-axis movement for continuous curved surface machining.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 design enhances machining efficiency by eliminating the need for extensive repositioning, allowing for continuous, high-speed machining of curved surfaces with reduced downtime and improved surface quality, eliminating the need for additional polishing processes.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing alternating magnetic fields to drive the tool holder and cutter for high-speed reciprocation along the Z-axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear motor: Linear Motor

Implementation Method 2

utilizing alternating magnetic fields to drive the tool holder and cutter for high-speed reciprocation along the Z-axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAlternating magnetic fields: Alternating Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS9254542B2Machine tool with uninterrupted cutting
Publication Date: 2016.02.09 HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO LTD
  • US9254542B2 patent drawing
  • US9254542B2 patent drawing
  • US9254542B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A machine tool includes a machine support, a work table positioned on the machine support, a moving device and a feeding device. The moving device is movably mounted on the machine support along a first direction above the work table. The feeding device is slidably positioned on the moving device along a second direction at ninety degrees from the first direction. The feeding device includes a feeding mechanism and a cutter. The feeding mechanism drives the tool holder and the cutter to move back and forth along a third orthogonal direction.