Modular NC Machine with Detachable Head Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional numerically controlled (NC) machines are custom-designed for specific tasks and lack modular components, making it costly and complex to reconfigure them for different manufacturing processes, requiring multiple machines for various tasks in a manufacturing plant.
Innovation Solution
A modular, reconfigurable NC machine with detachable components, including a base beam, horizontal beam, connecting assembly, and detachable head assemblies, allowing for multiple configurations to support various manufacturing processes on a single piece of equipment, with components that can be physically, electrically, or pneumatically connected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional NC machines are custom-designed for specific tasks with fixed configurations, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but adaptability deteriorates and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The NC machine is divided into modular components including beam assemblies, head assemblies, and connecting assemblies that can be independently configured and reconfigured. Each module maintains precision while allowing adaptability through standardized interfaces and detachable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine employs universal beam assemblies and connecting assemblies that can support multiple types of head assemblies for different manufacturing processes. The standardized modular interfaces enable a single machine to perform multiple functions across various manufacturing tasks.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional NC machines are custom-designed for specific tasks, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring multiple machines
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple specialized machines are merged into a single reconfigurable machine by combining universal beam assemblies, connecting assemblies, and multiple interchangeable head assemblies. This consolidation reduces the total number of machines required while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized modular components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional NC machines are retooled for different processes, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate due to complicated retooling
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is segmented into detachable modular components with standardized interfaces, allowing rapid reconfiguration by simply detaching and reattaching head assemblies and beam configurations rather than complicated retooling processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine transitions from a static fixed configuration to a dynamic reconfigurable system where modular components can be easily adjusted and repositioned to adapt to different manufacturing processes without significant downtime.
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable system having at least one detachable component and at least one detachable head assembly. The reconfigurable system may be a numerically controlled (NC) machine for manufacturing processes, such as milling or automatic fiber placement (AFP). The reconfigurable system may further comprise a gantry structure comprised of movably attached beams on which detachable components may be movably attached. The detachable components may include a concave component and a convex component. At least one detachable head assembly may be movably attached to at least one of the detachable components. The detachable components and head assemblies may be at least one of physically, electrically, and pneumatically connected to a connecting assembly attached to the gantry structure.