Multi-Speed Tool Head With Dual Output Shafts for Machine Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing operating devices for machine tools lack flexibility and versatility due to structural complexity, limited ability to adjust rotation speeds, and reduced polyvalence, making them unsuitable for performing various machining tasks without tool replacement.

Innovation Solution

An operating device with multiple output shafts at different rotation speeds, utilizing a system of conical toothed wheels and gear ratios to transmit rotary motion, allowing for simultaneous connection and optimal operation of multiple tools with varying cutting requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single output shaft is used to transmit rotary motion from the input shaft, then the device structure is simple, but the device lacks flexibility and cannot perform different types of machining with different cutting speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of useVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single output shaft is segmented into multiple output shafts (first outlet shaft, second outlet shaft, etc.), each capable of rotating at different speeds. This segmentation allows each shaft to be optimized for specific machining tasks while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The operating device is designed with multiple output shafts that can each perform different machining functions. The device becomes universal by accommodating various tool types (sanding tools, polishing tools, cutting tools) on different shafts, each operating at appropriate speeds for their specific functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple output shafts with different rotation speeds are provided, then the device can perform various machining operations with appropriate cutting speeds, but the device structure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovepolyvalenceVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple gear transmission systems are merged into a single integrated operating device. The first gear system transmits motion to the first outlet shaft, while the second gear system transmits motion to the second outlet shaft, both from the same input shaft. This combining approach achieves high polyvalence while controlling overall structural complexity through unified design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates dynamic speed adjustment capabilities through variable gear ratios. The gear systems allow each output shaft to rotate at different speeds relative to the input shaft, enabling adaptive speed control for different tool requirements without requiring separate motors for each tool.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If gear transmission systems are added to provide differentiated rotation speeds, then adequate cutting speed can be achieved for each tool type, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting speedVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Gear systems are introduced as intermediary transmission mechanisms between the input shaft and output shafts. These gear intermediaries (first gear, second gear, third gear, fourth gear) enable precise speed differentiation while maintaining a compact and organized structure, avoiding the need for complex direct-drive mechanisms for each output shaft.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables flexible and multipurpose operation of machine tools by allowing different tools to operate at appropriate speeds, enhancing machining efficiency and surface finish without the need for tool replacement, while maintaining a non-complex structure.

Implementation Method 1

a third toothed wheel, conical, which is coaxially coupled to said first outlet shaft and engaged with said first toothed wheel such that, in use, said first toothed wheel rotating about said first rotation axis of said inlet shaft causes said third toothed wheel to rotate about said second rotation axis of said first outlet shaft based on a first gear ratio of the rotary motion; a fourth toothed wheel, conical, which is coaxially mounted to said second outlet shaft and engaged with said second toothed wheel such that, in use, said second toothed wheel rotating about said first rotation axis of said inlet shaft causes said fourth toothed wheel to rotate about said third rotation axis of said second outlet shaft based on a second gear ratio of the rotary motion which is different from said first gear ratio

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP4197693A1Operating device with differentiated rotational speed outputs and machine tool including such operating device
Publication Date: 2023.06.21 SCM GRP
  • EP4197693A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4197693A1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4197693A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to an Operative device (11) for a machine tool (1) which is suitable for machining at least one piece (P) and provided with an electrospindle unit (10), said operative device (11) comprising: an inlet shaft (14) which is rotatable about a first rotation axis (A1) and connectable, in use, with said electrospindle unit (10) such that said inlet shaft (14) is rotated, in use, by said electrospindle unit (10) about said first rotation axis (A1); a first toothed wheel (15) being conical and a second toothed wheel (16) being conical, which are coaxially coupled to said inlet shaft (14); a first outlet shaft (17) which is rotatable about a second rotation axis (A2) being substantially orthogonal to said first rotation axis (A1) of said inlet shaft (14), wherein said first outlet shaft (17) is connectable, in use, with a first tool (U1); a third toothed wheel (18), conical, which is coaxially coupled to said first outlet shaft (17) and engaged with said first toothed wheel (15) such that, in use, said first toothed wheel (15) rotating about said first rotation axis (A1) of said inlet shaft (14) causes said third toothed wheel (18) to rotate about said second rotation axis (A2) of said first outlet shaft (17) based on a first gear ratio of the rotary motion; a second outlet shaft (20) which is rotatable about a third rotation axis (A3) being substantially orthogonal to said first rotation axis (A1) of said inlet shaft (14), wherein said second outlet shaft (20) is connectable, in use, with a second tool (U2), and wherein said third rotation axis (A3) of said second outlet shaft (20) and said second rotation axis (A2) of said first outlet shaft (17) are substantially coplanar; a fourth toothed wheel (21), conical, which is coaxially mounted to said second outlet shaft (20) and engaged with said second toothed wheel (16) such that, in use, said second toothed wheel (16) rotating about said first rotation axis (A1) of said inlet shaft (14) causes said fourth toothed wheel (21) to rotate about said third rotation axis (A3) of said second outlet shaft (20) based on a second gear ratio of the rotary motion which is different from said first gear ratio of the rotary motion; and a supporting and containing structure (12) which supports said inlet shaft (14), said first outlet shaft (17) and said second outlet shaft (20) and contains said first toothed wheel (15), said second toothed wheel (16), said third toothed wheel (18) and said fourth toothed wheel (21).