Integrated Milling and Chamfering for Metallic Member Edge Finishing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for machining metallic members, such as those used in electronic device housings, involve transferring the material between different machines, which reduces machining efficiency and positioning accuracy due to the need for multiple machines and processes.
Innovation Solution
A milling method that integrates a machine with a worktable, rotating members, and a miller feeding mechanism, allowing for simultaneous milling and chamfering of the peripheral sidewall and end edge of a metallic member using a single machine, with controlled rotation and movement of the milling cutter along multiple axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate machines (milling machine and chamfering machine) are used to machine different features of the metallic member, then each machine can be optimized for its specific function, but the machining efficiency and positioning accuracy are reduced due to the need to transfer the workpiece between machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a milling machine and a chamfering machine into a single integrated machine system. The machine includes both a milling device with a milling cutter and a chamfering device with a chamfering cutter, allowing both milling and chamfering operations to be performed on the same workpiece without transfer. This merging eliminates positioning errors between machines and improves machining efficiency by enabling continuous processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated machine system performs multiple functions - both milling operations and chamfering operations - on a single machine platform. The worktable can rotate the workpiece to different angles, and both cutting devices can be positioned and operated independently, allowing the machine to handle various machining tasks that previously required separate specialized machines.
2Ease of manufacture
If the metallic member is transferred between the milling machine and the chamfering machine, then each operation can be performed by specialized equipment, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates due to cumulative positioning errors from multiple transfers
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the milling and chamfering functions into one machine, the patent eliminates the need to transfer the workpiece between machines. The workpiece remains clamped on the same worktable throughout both operations, ensuring that positioning is maintained and cumulative positioning errors are avoided while still achieving specialized machining functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The worktable serves as an intermediary that enables both milling and chamfering operations to be performed on the same workpiece without transfer. The worktable can rotate the workpiece to different angular positions, allowing the workpiece to be oriented for milling operations and then rotated for chamfering operations, all while maintaining a fixed reference frame that ensures positioning accuracy.
3Productivity
If a single integrated machine is used to perform both milling and chamfering operations, then machining efficiency and positioning accuracy are improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple rotating members and feeding mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The machine system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a milling device with its own feeding mechanism, a chamfering device with its own feeding mechanism, and a worktable with rotating members. Each module can be independently controlled and positioned, which manages complexity by organizing functions into separate, manageable units rather than a monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine incorporates multiple rotating members (worktable and rotating stages) that provide dynamic positioning capabilities. These rotating members allow the workpiece to be oriented at different angles for different operations and enable the cutting devices to approach the workpiece from different directions, adding flexibility and functionality while managing structural complexity through controlled motion.
Data Source
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AI summary
A milling method for machining a metallic member to provide a finished appearance is provided. A metallic member is positioned on a worktable. The metallic member includes a top portion and a peripheral sidewall. The peripheral sidewall includes an end edge. After rotation, the milling cutter is rotated and resists the peripheral sidewall of the metallic member. The milling cutter is moved along a predetermined path, and the milling cutter machines the metallic member to achieve a required shape and finish. The worktable rotates the metallic member to enable the end edge of the peripheral sidewall to face the milling cutter, and the milling cutter chamfers the end edge along a predetermined path, while simultaneously controlling a feed of the milling cutter relative to the metallic member.