Nested Bar Guide Channel for Vibration-Stable Automatic Lathes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic lathes face challenges in maintaining precise guidance of material bars during machining, particularly in the transition region between the loading magazine and the lathe, leading to vibrations and reduced productivity due to unsupported lengths and the need for significant power to move additional weight.

Innovation Solution

A material bar magazine with a dual-channel system, comprising a first outer guide channel and a second inner guide channel that moves synchronously with the headstock, reducing the distance between the channel system and the collet, thereby minimizing vibrations and eliminating the need for additional transition tubes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a single guide channel system is used in the loading magazine, then the structure is simple, but the distance to the collet becomes too large causing vibrations and poor guidance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguidance precisionVSAvoidchannel system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested dual-channel system where the second guide channel is positioned inside the first guide channel. Both channels are longitudinally displaceable and coupled to the headstock, creating a compact configuration that reduces the distance to the collet while maintaining structural simplicity through the nested arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide channel system is segmented into two separate but coupled channels. The first channel serves as the outer guide while the second channel serves as the inner guide, both displaceable along the longitudinal axis. This segmentation allows each channel to contribute to guidance precision without requiring a single overly complex structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the headstock is made displaceable to enable feed movements, then productivity is improved, but the weight to be moved increases requiring significant power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeed movement capabilityVSAvoidpower requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the headstock displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the material bar magazine, enabling feed movements for machining operations. The coupled guide channels move synchronously with the headstock, maintaining constant distance relationships dynamically during operation, which improves productivity while the nested channel design helps manage the moving mass.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If universal transition tubes are used to connect the magazine and lathe, then adaptability is improved, but commissioning becomes more difficult due to the need for precise positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidcommissioning ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The coupled guide channels are designed to move synchronously with the headstock automatically, maintaining a constant distance between the channel system and the collet. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for complex universal transition tubes and manual positioning during commissioning, as the system automatically maintains proper alignment throughout operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the distance between the guide channel and collet is reduced, then vibrations are minimized, but the guide channel must be more complex to maintain constant distance during headstock movement

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevibrationsVSAvoidchannel system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of two guide channels into a synchronized coupled system. Both the first and second guide channels are longitudinally displaceable and coupled to the headstock, moving together to maintain a constant, minimized distance to the collet. This combined approach reduces vibrations through closer guidance while the coupling mechanism manages the complexity by ensuring synchronized movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12594605B2Material bar magazine for guiding material bars on an automatic lathe as well as a system consisting of such a magazine and automatic lathe

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 FMB MASCHINENBAUGESELLSCHAFT MBH & CO KG

AI summary

A material bar magazine for guiding material bars on an automatic lathe and a system having such a magazine and automatic lathe having at least one headstock that is displaceable along a longitudinal axis of the material bar magazine, where the material bar magazine includes a material bar-guiding channel system having a channel opening system. Further, the channel system of the material bar magazine has a first, outer guide channel and a second, inner guide channel mounted inside the first guide channel such that it can move relative thereto along the longitudinal direction, the second, inner guide channel couplable or coupled to the headstock of the automatic lathe so that it synchronously moves the second, inner guide channel as the headstock moves along a longitudinal axis of the material bar magazine, relative to the first guide channel.