Parallel-Link Machine Tool Power Switching for Accurate Turning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools with parallel link mechanisms experience increased centrifugal force and path errors during high-speed turning of end effectors due to the weight of motors, requiring limited turning ranges and complex operations to prevent winding of power and signal lines, which complicates operations and increases the risk of machining defects.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design featuring a rotating portion, a first arm, a second arm supporting the end effector, and a switching mechanism that allows power to be supplied to either the rotating portion or the second arm from a single power source, reducing centrifugal force and path errors by distributing the motor load and facilitating wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two motors are used to rotate the end effector independently, then positioning precision is improved, but centrifugal force increases and path error increases during high-speed turning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts one motor from the rotating portion, leaving only a single motor on the stationary base. The second arm uses transmission mechanisms (gears, belts, or chains) to achieve rotation without a direct motor mount, thereby eliminating the source of centrifugal force while maintaining positioning capability through mechanical transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces transmission mechanisms (gears, belts, or chains) as intermediaries between the single motor and the second arm. These intermediaries transfer rotational motion from the stationary motor to the rotating second arm, enabling precise positioning without subjecting the system to centrifugal forces from a rotating motor.
2Measurement precision
If two motors are mounted on the rotating portion, then end effector positioning is improved, but wiring complexity increases due to winding power and signal lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes one motor from the rotating portion and relocates it to the stationary base. This extraction eliminates the need for rotating power and signal lines, as only a single stationary motor requires wiring. The transmission mechanisms (gears, belts, or chains) mechanically transfer motion without requiring electrical connections to rotate.
3Device complexity
If the turning range of one motor is limited to prevent line winding, then wiring is simplified, but operation complexity increases and machining efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the motor from the rotating portion entirely, eliminating the constraint on turning range. With the motor stationary on the base and motion transmitted mechanically, the second arm can rotate through any angle without worrying about power line or signal line winding, enabling full-range motion for complex machining operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the motor remains stationary while the mechanical transmission mechanisms adapt to various rotation angles. The transmission mechanisms (gears, belts, or chains) can accommodate any rotation range of the second arm, providing dynamic flexibility without the wiring constraints that would limit a rotating motor system.
4Device complexity
If a single power source supplies both the rotating portion and second arm, then device complexity is reduced, but power distribution control becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the second motor from the rotating portion and relocates it to the stationary base, consolidating both motors in one location. This allows a single power source to supply both motors through fixed wiring connections, eliminating the need for complex rotating electrical connections while simplifying power distribution control.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool includes: a rotating portion that rotates around a first axis; a first arm that extends from the rotating portion; a second arm that is connected to the first arm and supports an end effector; a single power source that is configured to supply power to the rotating portion and the second arm; and a switching mechanism that is configured to switch a power supply destination from the power source from one of the rotating portion or the second arm to the other, wherein the second arm is configured to rotate around a second axis that intersects the first axis.