Machine Tool Processing Head Manifold Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools with integrated additive manufacturing capabilities are complex and expensive, particularly for non-laser-based techniques, and require significant installation effort, making them impractical for certain applications.
Innovation Solution
A system for a multi-axis machine tool with a processing head that includes a clamping mechanism, spindle, stop block, and anti-rotation arm, allowing for convenient connection and alignment of energy and media supplies through a processing head manifold, facilitating hybrid manufacturing without the need for complex docking systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dockable manifold system is used to deliver energy and media to the processing head, then the capability for hybrid manufacturing is achieved, but the device complexity and installation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex dockable manifold system from the machine tool and replaces it with a simplified approach where the manifold is integrated directly into the processing head. This eliminates the need for separate docking mechanisms while maintaining the ability to deliver energy and media to the processing head, thereby reducing device complexity without sacrificing hybrid manufacturing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing head manifold is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the structural housing for the processing head and the delivery mechanism for energy and media. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate docking components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility for hybrid manufacturing operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dockable manifold system is implemented, then energy and media delivery is enabled, but the installation effort and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the manifold functionality directly into the processing head structure, combining what were previously separate components (processing head and docking manifold) into a single integrated unit. This integration eliminates the need for complex installation procedures involving separate docking mechanisms, significantly reducing installation time and effort while maintaining full energy and media delivery capability.
3Productivity
If conventional CNC milling machines are used, then subtractive manufacturing is achieved, but additive manufacturing capability is absent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the CNC milling machine universal by integrating a processing head that can perform both subtractive manufacturing (milling) and additive manufacturing (deposition). The processing head manifold enables delivery of energy and media required for additive processes, allowing the same machine to execute multiple manufacturing operations without requiring separate specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between subtractive and additive manufacturing modes by changing the processing head or adjusting the manifold configuration. This dynamic adaptability allows a single machine tool to respond to different manufacturing requirements, enhancing versatility while maintaining productivity across different process types.
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine tool (100) is arranged to deliver at least one of an energy source and a media, through a processing head (300) onto a work-piece for material addition, inspection or data collection, wherein the machine-tool has a clamping mechanism (202) arranged to temporarily receive the processing-head and wherein the machine tool comprises a stop block (390) having a manifold arranged to deliver at least one of the energy and media and wherein the processing head comprises an anti-rotation arm (391) and connector (600) arranged to be connectable to the stop block and wherein the processing head further comprises a manifold arranged to engage with the stop block manifold when the processing head is connected to receive the energy or media. The machine tool may be a multi-axis machine tool and the stop block can be fixed to the machine tool or may be integrated therein.