Movable Guide Bushing Lathe for Precision and Bar Feeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machining lathes lack flexibility to handle a wide range of machining operations and parts with varying length-to-diameter ratios, particularly those greater than 4, and are inefficient in machining both small and large series productions.
Innovation Solution
A machining lathe design featuring a guide bush with axial mobility relative to the frame, operating in either barrel or gripper modes, with a motorized guide barrel and removable components, allowing for quick changes in machining modes and tooling to accommodate different part sizes and materials, enabling continuous and precise machining with axial and rotational movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the guide bush is fixed to the frame, then the lathe structure is simple and stable, but the machining flexibility and adaptability to different part types are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The guide bush is made movable relative to the frame along the axis of translation and rotation, allowing it to transition between fixed and movable states. This dynamic capability enables the lathe to adapt to different machining operations (bar feeding, precision machining, knurling) without requiring multiple fixed configurations, thereby improving versatility while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide bush is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be fixed for precision machining operations, moved for bar feeding operations, and adjusted axially for different part lengths. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized components, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the guide bush is made movable to improve flexibility, then the adaptability to different machining operations increases, but the structural stability and machining precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The guide bush incorporates a coupling device that can be engaged or disengaged to fix or release the axial position. During precision machining operations, the coupling device is engaged to fix the guide bush axially, ensuring stability and precision. During bar feeding or setup operations, the coupling device is disengaged to allow movement, thus achieving both precision and flexibility as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide bush system includes self-positioning features where the movable guide bush can be automatically positioned and secured in the required axial location through the coupling device. This self-service capability ensures that precision is maintained without requiring complex external positioning mechanisms, preserving manufacturing precision while enabling adaptability.
3Productivity
If the lathe is designed for high precision machining, then the machining quality is improved, but the productivity and efficiency for large series production are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The guide bush can dynamically switch between fixed and movable states based on the machining phase. During high-speed bar feeding operations, the guide bush is movable to enable rapid positioning and feeding, increasing productivity. During precision machining operations, the guide bush is fixed to ensure stability and precision, thus achieving both high productivity and high precision without compromise.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the guide bush components are made removable for quick changes, then the adaptability to different part sizes and materials is improved, but the device complexity and potential for assembly errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide bush system is segmented into removable components (guide bush, collet, clamping mechanism) that can be independently changed. Each component is designed with standardized interfaces and coupling devices that simplify assembly and disassembly. This segmentation allows quick tooling changes for different part sizes and materials while maintaining simple, standardized connection methods that reduce assembly complexity and minimize errors.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a lathe comprising a moving headstock (2) arranged for rotating and moving forward, relative to an axis (14) of translation and rotation, a workpiece (8) to be turned, and a guide bush (9) arranged to be attached to a frame (1) of the lathe and comprising a bush spindle (13) and a gripper or a clamping mechanism (5). The guide bush (9) is arranged to operate either in bush mode or in gripper mode and to be axially movable relative to the frame along the axis (14) of translation and rotation. The lathe (9) is arranged to operate in: - a first mode in which the guide bush is driven axially by the moving headstock; and - a second mode in which the axial position of the guide bush is fixed relative to the frame.