Multilevel Tubular Tool Magazine for Faster Precision Tool Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machining centers with turret heads face challenges in achieving high dynamics during tool changes due to the massive and heavy base body, which results in slow cycle times and limited repeatability.
Innovation Solution
A multi-level tube magazine that allows simultaneous positioning of tool-carrying tool holders in front of several work spindles with repeat accuracy, using a thin-walled tubular magazine body made of lightweight materials like aluminum alloys or composite fibers, reducing the polar mass moment of inertia and enabling faster 360-degree rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a turret head with a massive, heavy base is used to ensure rigidity and precision, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but the polar mass moment of inertia increases, resulting in slower cycle times and reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the tool storage function (magazine tube) from the tool delivery function (tool carriers). The magazine tube is made lightweight while tool carriers are precisely positioned in front of work spindles, dividing the turret head into functional segments that can be optimized independently for both precision and speed
Solution Approach 2:
The magazine tube body is designed to rotate dynamically with reduced moment of inertia using thin-walled construction and lightweight materials, while tool carriers are positioned statically in front of work spindles for precise tool delivery, creating a dynamic system that achieves both speed and precision
2Productivity
If a thin-walled magazine tube body made of lightweight materials is used, then the polar mass moment of inertia is reduced, improving productivity and cycle time, but the structural strength and rigidity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The magazine tube body can be constructed from composite materials or aluminum alloys that provide high strength-to-weight ratio, enabling thin-walled construction that reduces moment of inertia while maintaining sufficient structural strength to support tool holders during rotation and positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The magazine tube body has varying wall thickness with reinforced sections at critical locations such as bearing mounting areas and tool holder support positions, providing local strength where needed while maintaining thin walls in non-critical areas to minimize overall mass and moment of inertia
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 solution significantly reduces the polar mass moment of inertia, allowing for multiple-fold increases in speed compared to conventional turret systems, enabling faster tool changes and improved machining efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
reducing the polar mass moment of inertia and enabling faster 360-degree rotation
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Revolving multilevel tubular magazine (1) which has a plurality of tool holder levels (101, 102) and tool holder rows (111) and in the interior (108) of which a plurality of working spindles (40), i.e. one per tool holder level (101, 102), is mounted in a dimensionally stable central block (10) that is stationarily arranged in a machine tool; - the central block (10) rollably and/or slidably supports a one-part or multi-part magazine tube carrier (21, 35, 36) which is driven so as to be able to slide transversely to the center line (19) of the central block; - the one-part or multi-part magazine tube carrier (21, 35, 36) rollably or slidably supports a magazine tube member (100, 106) which includes a plurality of tool holder levels (101, 102) and tool holder rows (111) and which is driven so as to be able to rotate about the central block (10); - the magazine tube member (100, 106) has one storage cover (110) per tool holder row (111) for storing a plurality of tool holders (200, 230, 250, 270, 310 340), the maximum number of which corresponds to the number of tool holder levels (101, 102); - the storage cover (110) containing the tool holders (200, 230, 250, 270, 310, 340) required for workpiece machining can be placed in a working position (95) in front of the forward end faces (51) of the working spindles (40) in both the revolving direction of the magazine tube member (100, 106) and the sliding direction (29) of the magazine tube carrier (21, 35, 36); and - the working spindles (40) are arranged next to each other and the center lines thereof run parallel to the sliding direction (29) of the magazine tube carrier (21, 35, 36).