Magnetic Lifter Axial Movement for Milling Workpiece Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing magnet lifters for processing machines require multiple steps for workpiece separation and transport, which complicates the processing workflow and slows down the overall processing speed.
Innovation Solution
A magnet lifter with a cylindrical base body featuring an axially movable magnetic element, a workpiece plate with a non-rotatable opening, and a fluid-pressure actuated slide, allowing for efficient pickup and release of workpieces with high magnetic forces and secure rotational fixation, enabling direct movement and further processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a magnetic lifter is used for workpiece separation and transport, then the workpiece can be moved to a further processing position, but multiple work steps are required which complicates the processing workflow and slows down processing speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (magnetic lifting, rotational positioning, and workpiece holding) into a single integrated magnetic lifter device. The workpiece plate with opening for rotational fixing is integrated with the magnetic element assembly, allowing the device to perform both lifting and rotational operations without requiring separate mechanisms, thereby simplifying the workflow while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic element is designed to be axially movable between a lifting position (where it protrudes from the base body) and a release position (where it is retracted). This dynamic positioning allows the magnetic force to be engaged or disengaged as needed, enabling fast workpiece pickup and release operations within a single device, improving processing speed without adding complexity
2Force
If the magnetic element is positioned close to the workpiece end for strong magnetic forces, then efficient pickup is achieved, but the magnetic element becomes vulnerable to external influences and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a protected base body containing the magnetic element and an external workpiece plate. The magnetic element operates within the protected recess of the base body, separated from external contamination sources, while still achieving strong magnetic forces when positioned close to the workpiece end during the lifting operation
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic element is pre-positioned within the protected recess of the base body before the lifting operation begins. This preliminary positioning protects it from contamination during non-operational states, and allows rapid deployment to the lifting position when needed, maintaining both protection and operational effectiveness
3Stability of the object's composition
If the workpiece end is inserted deeply into the opening for secure rotational fixation, then rotational stability is improved, but the workpiece end cannot be easily inserted and removed
Solution Approach 1:
The opening in the workpiece plate has a specific local geometry that provides rotational fixation at the critical location where the workpiece end engages. The opening is designed with slight oversize dimensions that allow easy insertion while still providing sufficient lateral contact surfaces to prevent rotation during the lifting operation, achieving both ease of operation and rotational stability through localized geometric design
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
Simplifies the work process by enabling faster and more efficient separation, transport, and processing of workpieces, with the ability to adapt to different geometries and secure against external influences, while ensuring safe and easy release mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
In the lifting position, this element can be positioned very close to the end of the workpiece, generating strong magnetic forces
Implementation Method 2
a fluid-pressure actuated slide, allowing for efficient pickup and release of workpieces
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a magnetic lifter (1) for a machine tool with a cylindrical base body (2) having an upper end face (3) with a mounting pin (5) for a machining head and a lower end face (4) with a recess (8). A magnetic element (10) is axially movable within the base body (2) between a lifting position and a release position. In the release position, the magnetic element (10) is positioned axially further inward relative to the base body than in the holding position.