Multi-Plane Tool Carrier Head for Machine Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine tools face challenges in maximizing the number of tools used while minimizing the required space, as existing designs often result in inefficient tool alignment and increased torsional stress on guiding arms during machining.
Innovation Solution
The tool carrier unit features a movable tool carrier head with multiple tool planes aligned parallel to the axis of rotation, allowing tools to be optimally positioned with their directions aligned to minimize space usage and torsional stress, with the option to include supplementary tool carriers for increased tool capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of tools in the tool carrier unit is increased, then the tool capacity is improved, but the space required and the complexity of the tool carrier unit increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-plane tool arrangement to a multi-plane tool carrier head configuration. Tools are distributed across multiple planes (first tool plane, second tool plane, third tool plane) that are angularly offset from each other, enabling three-dimensional tool positioning. This dimensional expansion allows significantly more tools to be accommodated within the same radial space envelope, directly resolving the contradiction between tool quantity and space requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool carrier head is segmented into multiple independent tool planes, each capable of holding tools in different orientations. This segmentation allows tools to be distributed across multiple spatial zones rather than concentrated in a single plane, reducing the radial and axial dimensions required while maintaining high tool capacity. Each plane can be independently designed and positioned to optimize space utilization.
2Quantity of substance
If tools are positioned to maximize tool capacity, then the number of tools is improved, but the torsional stress on the guiding arm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different spatial configurations to different tool planes to optimize local force characteristics. The first tool plane, second tool plane, and third tool plane are positioned at different angular offsets, allowing tools in each plane to exert forces on the guiding arm in different directions. This local differentiation of tool plane orientations distributes the torsional loads more evenly across the guiding arm structure, preventing concentration of stress at any single location while maintaining high tool capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
By distributing tools across multiple angularly offset planes rather than a single plane, the patent transforms the force application from a two-dimensional problem to a three-dimensional force distribution system. This spatial distribution in multiple dimensions allows the guiding arm to experience more balanced torsional moments, reducing peak stress values while accommodating more tools.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tool carrier head is made rotatable to improve tool access, then the versatility is improved, but the complexity of the guiding arm and tool carrier unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds rotational capability to the tool carrier head, transforming it from a fixed-position tool holder to a dynamically reconfigurable tool delivery system. The tool carrier head can rotate about the guiding arm's longitudinal axis, allowing tools positioned in different angular planes to be brought into the machining position. This rotational degree of freedom provides versatile tool access while maintaining relatively simple guiding arm mechanics, as the rotation occurs at the tool carrier head rather than requiring complex movements of the entire guiding arm assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool having a machine frame. A first workpiece carrier unit is disposed on the machine frame and has a workpiece receiving mechanism. At least one tool carrier unit is disposed on the machine frame, on which at least one tool for machining a workpiece held in the workpiece receiving mechanism is disposed. In an embodiment, there is a working space, in which a workpiece, held in the workpiece receiving means, can be machined with the tool. In an embodiment, the tool carrier unit has a tool carrier base and a tool carrier head, which is movable in relation to the tool carrier base along an axis of advance via a guiding arm. The tool carrier head is rotatable about an axis of rotation coincident or parallel to the axis of advance, by the tool carrier head being fixedly connected to the guiding arm and by the tool carrier head being formed as a multiple tool carrier which has at least two tool planes, in which at least one respective tool extends in at least one of its tool directions.