Machine Tool Support Part Fixing Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine tools face challenges in implementing a symmetrical adjusting device that can clamp both guide elements simultaneously, limiting their versatility and operational convenience.

Innovation Solution

A machine tool design where the fixing element is pivotably mounted on one guide element and can be actuated between a fixing and release position, allowing for independent fixation or reduced movement of either guide element along the longitudinal axis, with an adjusting device that can be manually operated to pivot the fixing element between these positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the adjusting device is arranged between the guide elements to clamp both simultaneously, then the fixing reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and not all machine tools can implement this arrangement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing function is segmented between two components: the fixing element provides the clamping action while the bearing section provides the pivot mounting. This segmentation allows the adjusting device to be positioned more flexibly and reduces the complexity of arranging the adjusting device between guide elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing section acts as an intermediary component that mounts the fixing element and provides the pivot axis. This intermediary structure enables the fixing element to pivot effectively without requiring the adjusting device to be positioned between the guide elements, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining fixing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the fixing element is designed to clamp both guide elements, then the stability of the support part is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to the symmetrical arrangement requirement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of support partVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing element is designed with asymmetric local qualities: one end has a clamping contour for engaging the first guide element while the other end has a different contour for the second guide element. This asymmetric design allows the single fixing element to provide stable fixation of both guide elements without requiring a symmetrical arrangement, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If only one guide element is fixed while the other has movement play, then the adaptability of the machine tool is improved, but the manufacturing precision may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability of machine toolVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing element is designed to provide differential fixing: it can fully fix the first guide element while allowing controlled movement play for the second guide element. This dynamic fixing capability enables the machine tool to adapt to different operational requirements (fixed positioning vs. adjustable positioning) while maintaining sufficient manufacturing precision for each mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 the machine tool's ability to securely fix or allow movement of guide elements, improving operational convenience and versatility, particularly in mobile and semi-stationary applications.

Implementation Method 1

the fixing element is pivotably mounted on a bearing section of the first guide element and can be pivoted by the adjusting device between a fixing pivoted position and a release pivot position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

The fixing element can be loaded, for example, by its weight and/or by a spring arrangement in the direction of the release pivot position and/or into the fixing pivot position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

the first guide element, for example a guide rod or a guide rod, provides a pivot bearing for the fixing element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivot bearing: Ball Bearing

Data Source

PatentEP3246132B1Machine tool with a support piece
Publication Date: 2018.09.26 FESTOOL GMBH
  • EP3246132B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3246132B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3246132B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a machine tool (10) for machining workpieces using a tool, which has a drive assembly arranged on a machine base (20) with a drive motor and a tool holder (13) for the tool, wherein a support part (100) for supporting a workpiece (W) or the machine tool on a workpiece is mounted on the machine base (20) in a longitudinally adjustable manner with respect to a longitudinal axis (VS) by means of a longitudinal adjustment device (101), wherein the longitudinal adjustment device (101) has two rod-shaped first and second guide elements (42) mounted in first and second bearing mounting arrangements (105A, 105B) in a longitudinally displaceable manner along the longitudinal axis.A fixing device (115) for fixing the guide elements (42) relative to the bearing arrangements with respect to the longitudinal axis comprises a manually actuated adjusting device (120) and a fixing element (116) that can be actuated between a fixing position, which fixes the support part relative to the machine base (20) with respect to the longitudinal axis, and a release position, which allows the support part to move. The fixing element is pivotably mounted on the first guide element (42) and is adjustable by the adjusting device (120) between a release pivot position (LS), in which the guide elements are movable on the bearing arrangements, and a fixing pivot position, in which the first guide element (42) is fixed relative to the first bearing arrangement and/or the second guide element is fixed relative to the second bearing arrangement against displacement parallel to the longitudinal axis.