Movable Channel System for Automatic Lathe Stock Feeder
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The transition area between the loading magazine and the automatic lathe in existing automatic lathes experiences significant vibrations due to an unsupported zone, leading to reduced guiding quality of material bars, especially with varying diameters, which is economically challenging to address without compromising productivity.
Innovation Solution
A loading magazine with a longitudinally movable channel system coupled to the headstock via an NC axis or linear motor, reducing the distance between the loading magazine and the collet, and incorporating additional steady rests and tubular inserts to enhance guidance and reduce vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the transition area between loading magazine and headstock is increased to accommodate larger diameter material bars, then the guiding quality deteriorates due to increased unsupported zone and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The loading magazine is designed with dynamic movement capability along the longitudinal axis, allowing it to move synchronously with the headstock. This dynamic configuration enables the transition area to adapt to different bar diameters and machining conditions while maintaining consistent guiding quality through active position adjustment rather than static design compromises
Solution Approach 2:
A synchronizing device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the headstock and loading magazine, coordinating their movements to maintain optimal positioning. This intermediary system ensures that the transition area remains minimized and properly supported regardless of headstock position or bar diameter variations
2Manufacturing precision
If the distance between loading magazine and collet is reduced to minimize unsupported zone, then the guiding quality improves, but the complexity of synchronizing the movable loading magazine with headstock increases
Solution Approach 1:
A synchronizing device serves as an intermediary that coordinates the movement between the headstock and loading magazine. This device simplifies the overall control by providing a dedicated mechanism that automatically maintains proper positioning without requiring complex multi-axis coordination or multiple independent control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The loading magazine structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the material bar storage container and the guided support structure, while simultaneously moving synchronously with the headstock. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture
3Manufacturing precision
If steady rests are added to support material bars in the transition area, then vibrations are reduced and guiding quality improves, but the device complexity and adjustment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Steady rests are positioned specifically in the transition area where material bars require additional support. This localized support approach targets the exact region experiencing vibrations and guiding issues without adding unnecessary complexity to the entire system. The steady rests are adjustable only in the specific zones where they are needed
Solution Approach 2:
The steady rests are designed with automatic adjustment capabilities that allow them to self-adapt to different material bar diameters. This self-service feature eliminates the need for manual adjustment of each steady rest for every bar size change, reducing operational complexity while maintaining optimal support conditions
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
This configuration significantly reduces unwanted vibrations and maintains consistent guiding quality across various diameters, enhancing the precision and stability of material bar guidance during machining.
Implementation Method 1
A particularly advantageous solution for guiding the material bars as precisely as possible is to mount them rotatably in an oil-filled channel within the loading magazine. With the rapid rotation of the material bars in the channel, the effect of a hydrodynamic bearing action occurs, whereby the material bars in the loading magazine are guided precisely and with little vibration.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a charge magazine for guiding material bars on an automatic lathe having at least one spindle stock displaceable at least in one longitudinal axis. The channel system of such a charge magazine is guided on a linear axis according to the invention, and coupled to at least one longitudinally displaceable spindle stock of the automatic lathe, so that the bar guiding channel system can be displaced synchronously with the spindle stock in a driven mode. The zones in which vibrations arise in the transition region between the charge magazine and automated lathe are thereby reduced.