Machining Tool Motion Control for Complex Shaft Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machining devices face challenges in implementing complex, dynamically varying movement paths for machining elongate workpieces, such as shafts, due to the high weight of processing units, which complicates the realization of precise combined movements required for efficient machining and reduces tool longevity.

Innovation Solution

A machining unit with a processing tool that can move in multiple, independently controlled movement paths, decoupled from the entire machining unit's movement, utilizing separate drive units and a control device to achieve precise, complex trajectories, reducing the need for complex movements of the entire unit and allowing for high-precision machining.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the entire machining unit is moved to achieve combined movements of the machining tool, then the machining tool can follow complex paths of motion, but the device complexity and cost increase due to the considerable weight of the machining unit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of complex motion pathsVSAvoidcomplexity of moving entire machining unit
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the machining unit from the feed unit, allowing independent control of the machining tool's movements. The machining unit remains stationary while only the necessary components are moved to achieve the required complex paths of motion, significantly reducing the weight and complexity of the moving parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a feed unit that operates in a different dimensional space from the machining unit. The feed unit moves the machining unit along a feed axis while the machining tool itself can move independently in multiple paths within its own plane, enabling complex three-dimensional motion without moving the entire heavy machining unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If the entire machining unit is moved to achieve combined movements, then the machining tool can follow complex paths of motion, but the cost increases due to the considerable weight of the machining unit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of complex motion pathsVSAvoidcost of implementing movements
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the system into a stationary machining unit and a separate feed unit, the patent eliminates the need to move the heavy machining unit. Only lighter components need to be moved and controlled, significantly reducing the cost of drive mechanisms, support structures, and control systems while maintaining the ability to achieve complex motion paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If complex movements are implemented to achieve required precision, then the machining tool can follow precise paths, but the machining time increases due to the complexity of the movements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverequired precision of motion pathsVSAvoidmachining time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic control of the machining tool's movements within its plane, allowing for optimized motion paths that achieve required precision without unnecessary delays. The independent drive units can adjust speeds and accelerations dynamically to maintain precision while minimizing cycle time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The feed unit continuously feeds the workpiece or machining unit along the feed axis while the machining tool simultaneously performs its complex movements in its plane. This continuous dual-action approach ensures that machining operations proceed without interruption, maintaining both precision and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3272455B1Machining unit for machining workpieces
Publication Date: 2021.05.26 AFW HLDG GMBH
  • EP3272455B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3272455B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3272455B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Machining unit (1) for machining, in particular turning and/or milling, of, in particular elongated, workpieces (2), in particular shafts, comprising: - a machining tool (3), wherein the machining tool (3) is movable in a plane of motion (E) in at least two different, in particular combined, paths of motion, - at least one drive unit (4a), which is arranged for the, optionally combined, movement of the machining tool (3) in a first path of motion and in a second path of motion different from the first path of motion.