Machine Tool Longitudinal Rail Transverse Arm Curved Surface Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools for performing surface operations on large, complex structures like aircraft fuselages are cumbersome and inefficient, particularly when dealing with surfaces of dual curvature, as they require precise alignment of multiple rails which is difficult to achieve and limits the area that can be machined.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design featuring a single longitudinal rail with a transverse arm and a motorized unit that uses suction cups or other holding mechanisms to maintain continuous contact with the part, allowing for flexible adaptation to curved surfaces and enabling operations over a large area, with synchronized movement control to minimize forces and ensure precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If two parallel rails are used for the machine tool, then the machining accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases and the adaptability to curved surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts one of the two parallel rails from the system, retaining only a single longitudinal rail. The transverse arm assembly with holding means at its free end replaces the function of the second rail, thereby simplifying the device structure while maintaining machining accuracy through active positioning and control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic positioning capabilities where the transverse arm can be positioned and held at various locations along the single rail using motorized actuators and holding means (such as suction cups). This dynamic positioning system replaces the static two-rail structure, enabling adaptability to curved surfaces while maintaining precision through controlled movement and positioning.
2Manufacturing precision
If two parallel rails are used for the machine tool, then the machining accuracy is improved, but the adaptability to dual curvature surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse arm assembly incorporates motorized positioning systems and holding means that can dynamically adjust to follow the contours of dual curvature surfaces. The arm can be positioned at various locations along the single rail and held firmly using suction cups or other holding mechanisms, enabling the machine tool to adapt to complex curved geometries while maintaining machining precision through active control.
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse arm acts as an intermediary element between the single rail and the workpiece. It provides the necessary flexibility and adaptability to reach and position machining tools on dual curvature surfaces, while the holding means ensure stable contact and positioning accuracy, thus mediating between the simplified single-rail structure and the requirement for high precision on complex surfaces.
3Manufacturing precision
If two parallel rails are used for the machine tool, then the machining accuracy is improved, but the area that can be reached by the machining tool deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The machine tool is segmented into a movable transverse arm assembly that can be positioned at various locations along the single longitudinal rail. This segmentation allows the machining tool to reach different areas of the workpiece by moving the entire transverse arm assembly along the rail, thereby expanding the reachable area while maintaining precision through controlled positioning at each segment location.
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse arm assembly incorporates motorized positioning systems that enable dynamic movement along the single rail and adjustment of the tool position. This dynamic capability allows the machining tool to access a larger area of the workpiece compared to a fixed two-rail system, while maintaining machining accuracy through active control and positioning systems.
4Ease of manufacture
If a single longitudinal rail is used for the machine tool, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the stability of the structure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting one rail from the traditional two-rail configuration, the patent simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces structural complexity. The stability previously provided by the second rail is compensated by the motorized holding means that firmly secure the transverse arm to the workpiece, maintaining structural stability during machining operations while improving ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding means may utilize pneumatic or hydraulic systems (such as suction cups) to provide firm, controllable attachment of the transverse arm to the workpiece. These systems provide reliable holding forces that compensate for the reduced structural support from having only one rail, thereby maintaining stability during machining operations while simplifying the overall structure and easing manufacture.
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 simplifies implementation, adapts to structures with dual curvature, and allows for efficient machining over large areas with high precision, reducing the need for complex rail alignment and enabling a single operator to perform operations, thus improving the efficiency and accuracy of surface operations on complex parts.
Implementation Method 1
the holding means comprises a suction cup
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool adapted to perform operations, for example, machining, on a surface of a part of large size is provided. The machine tool comprises a longitudinal rail and a transverse arm, orthogonal to the longitudinal rail, slidingly fastened at a first end to the longitudinal rail. A second end of the transverse arm is provided with a unit comprising a holding device enabling the unit to be held in position on the part during an operation. The transverse arm bearing a tool is thus precisely positioned on the part on which the operations are carried out.