Machine Tool Independent Tool Magazine Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine tools face challenges in quickly and flexibly exchanging tools during successive machining steps, particularly in systems where tools and their associated coolant supply devices need to be changed together, limiting efficiency and tool holding capacity.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design featuring two independently controllable tool magazines with axially aligned tool holders, allowing for axial movement and rotation, enabling tools and associated devices to be exchanged without changing the entire tool spindle or storage device, thus increasing flexibility and tool holding capacity without expanding the tool store's dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tools and coolant supply devices are changed together as a unit, then the tool changing process is simplified, but the flexibility to replace only worn tools is reduced and tool holding capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The tool storage device is divided into multiple independent tool magazines, each capable of storing different tools and additional devices. This segmentation allows the tool spindle to selectively receive tools from any magazine independently, enabling flexible tool replacement without requiring replacement of associated coolant supply devices or other components.
Solution Approach 2:
Each tool magazine is designed with universal functionality to store various types of tools and additional devices (such as coolant supply devices, grinding wheel guards, etc.). The tool spindle can receive different tool types from different magazines, and the same magazine can provide different devices for different tools, achieving multi-functionality and increased versatility.
2Device complexity
If a single tool magazine is used, then the device structure is simple, but the tool holding capacity is limited and frequent tool changes reduce machining efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The tool storage device is segmented into multiple independent tool magazines (at least two), each capable of autonomous operation and tool provision. This segmentation increases the total tool holding capacity of the system, allowing more tools to be available for machining operations without requiring a single large complex magazine, thus maintaining operational simplicity while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
With multiple tool magazines providing tools independently, the tool spindle can continuously access required tools without waiting for magazine repositioning or tool preparation. The independent controllability of each magazine ensures that tool supply operations can proceed smoothly and continuously, minimizing interruptions to machining operations and maintaining high productivity.
3Volume of moving object
If tools are stored with their axes perpendicular to the movement plane, then space utilization is optimized, but the tool spindle cannot directly remove tools requiring axial movement
Solution Approach 1:
The tool magazines are designed with local quality optimization: tools are stored with axes in the movement plane (enabling direct axial removal by the tool spindle), while the magazines themselves are positioned and oriented to optimize space utilization. The independent positioning capability of each magazine allows it to be located at optimal positions for both space efficiency and tool access.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool magazines can be positioned in multiple spatial dimensions and orientations. By utilizing the third dimension (vertical positioning and rotational orientation), the system achieves compact space utilization while maintaining the capability for direct axial tool removal. The magazines can be arranged in different configurations (e.g., vertically stacked or radially arranged) to optimize space while preserving tool access functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
Machine tool comprises a tool storage unit with two tool magazines for holding tools in holders. The tools are arranged in the tool magazines with the same axial alignment and spaced opposite the tools of a further tool magazine. The tool magazines are controlled independently of each other to bring the tool holder into an exchange position. Preferred Features: The tools are held in tool holders with the shaft aligned radially in the inner side of a circulating band. A tool spindle (30) moves from the inner side of the circulating band radially against the tools.