Large-Workpiece Machining Arm Structure With Foundation-Free Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for machining large mechanical workpieces greater than 3 cubic meters face challenges with foundation stability, cumbersome workpiece access due to limited bellows capacity, and structural weaknesses in operating arms made from welded metal sheets.
Innovation Solution
A machine design featuring a base that ensures stability without foundations, a retractable bellows system for easy workpiece insertion, and an operating arm made from a single, bent metal sheet with curved connectors to reduce inertia and eliminate weld weaknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a machine is provided with proper foundations to prevent movement under machining forces, then stability is improved, but installation complexity and relocation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the anti-weight principle by designing a base with sufficient weight to counterbalance the machining forces generated during operation. The base is dimensioned and weighted so that the machine can remain stable without external foundations, effectively using the machine's own weight as a counterweight to prevent movement during machining operations.
2Device complexity
If the bellows is made compact to reduce machine size, then device complexity is reduced, but workpiece access capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by designing the bellows as a movable, expandable structure rather than a fixed compact form. The bellows can extend vertically to create sufficient opening space for inserting large workpieces, then retract during operation. This dynamic expansion and contraction capability allows the bellows to provide both compact storage and adequate access capability as needed.
3Strength
If the operating arm is made from welded metal sheets to achieve structural strength, then strength is improved, but moment of inertia increases and structural reliability decreases due to weld points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by forming the operating arm from a single continuous piece of bent metal sheet rather than assembling multiple metal sheets through welding. This monolithic construction eliminates weld points and potential weak spots while maintaining structural strength. The arm is created by bending a single sheet into the desired cross-sectional shape, integrating what would have been separate components into one unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the curvature principle by forming the operating arm through bending a metal sheet into a curved, three-dimensional shape with specific cross-sectional geometry. The bent sheet creates a structurally efficient form that provides both strength and appropriate moment of inertia characteristics, replacing the need for welded rectangular or square tube constructions.
4Volume of stationary object
If the machining chamber is made large to accommodate big workpieces, then workpiece capacity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult workpiece insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle through the expandable bellows structure that allows the machining chamber opening to dynamically change size. During workpiece insertion, the bellows can be extended to create a large opening that accommodates even the largest workpieces. Once the workpiece is inside, the bellows can be retracted to its compact operational position. This dynamic opening mechanism enables easy insertion into large chambers without requiring permanently large openings.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A machine (1) for mechanical machining of a mechanical workpiece having a volume greater than 3 cubic metres, comprises: a machining chamber (CL), delimiting a machining zone, in which the mechanical workpiece is machined, and including a movement interface; a base (BS), positioned, along a vertical direction (V), below the machining chamber (CL); a movement unit (3), connected to the movement interface of the machining chamber (CL) to move along a first direction, perpendicular to the vertical direction (V); an operating arm (4), elongate along a respective axis, parallel to the vertical direction (V), between a first end and a second end, the operating arm (4) being removably connected to the movement unit (3), to move along a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction; at least one working tool (5), connected to the first end of the arm (4), movable along the vertical direction (4) and configured to perform machining operations on the mechanical workpiece. the operating arm (4) comprises an outer sleeve (41), including four walls, joined to each other by curved connectors. The four side walls are made by bending a flat wall.