Numerically Controlled Clamping Members for Machining Centers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machining centers face high setup times and costs due to the need for frequent adjustments of workpiece clamping members, especially when machining diverse workpieces, leading to increased downtime and machining costs, and existing systems are prone to inaccuracies and mechanical stresses from resistance during positioning.
Innovation Solution
A numerically controlled machining center with adjustable clamping members along multiple axes, utilizing a temporary constraining element and stop devices to simplify and automate the adjustment process, eliminating the need for additional position sensors and allowing for precise positioning of workpieces of complex shapes without additional axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If frequent adjustments of clamping members are performed to machine diverse workpieces, then adaptability is improved, but setup time and machine downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping members are made dynamically adjustable along two orthogonal directions (first and second directions) parallel to numerically controlled axes. This dynamic positioning capability allows the machine to adapt to diverse workpiece shapes without manual reconfiguration, reducing setup time while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with a numerically controlled system. The control unit automatically positions clamping members along the first and second directions based on programmed coordinates, eliminating the need for skilled workers to manually adjust each clamping member and significantly reducing setup time.
2Extent of automation
If numerically controlled systems with position transducers are used to position clamping members, then automation is improved, but machine costs increase due to complex components
Solution Approach 1:
The numerically controlled axes already present in the machining center are made multi-functional by using them for both machining operations and for positioning clamping members. This eliminates the need for separate positioning systems with additional position transducers, achieving automation while controlling costs by reusing existing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing numerically controlled axes serve dual purposes: they perform both the machining function and the clamping member positioning function. The system uses its own existing motion capabilities to automate the setup process without requiring external positioning systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost.
3Measurement precision
If tool head performs translational movement to position clamping members, then positioning capability is improved, but mechanical stresses and machining precision risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is segmented from the tool head and assigned to dedicated clamping members that move independently along guides on the workpiece support. This segmentation allows the tool head to focus solely on machining operations while clamping members handle positioning, reducing mechanical stresses on the tool head and improving overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces guides as intermediary elements between the workpiece support and the clamping members. These guides provide a dedicated, low-friction path for clamping member movement, reducing mechanical stresses and improving positioning reliability without requiring the tool head to perform positioning functions.
4Measurement precision
If additional position sensors are installed to detect clamping member positions, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The numerically controlled system provides inherent feedback through its existing control unit, which tracks the position of clamping members along the first and second directions. This feedback mechanism uses the same control infrastructure already present for machining operations, achieving accurate position detection without adding separate position sensors.
Data Source
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AI summary
The machining centre comprises: a tool head (9); at least one support (15) for workpieces to be machined; and a control unit. The head and the support are movable with respect to each other along a plurality of numerically controlled axes of translation. Moreover, the support is provided with a plurality of clamping members (19) adjustable in variable positions with respect to the support along at least a first direction of adjustment and a second direction of adjustment, substantially parallel respectively to a first (X) of said numerically controlled axes of translation and a second (Y) of said numerically controlled axes of translation. Along the second direction of adjustment the distance of the clamping members with respect to the relative support (15) is adjusted.