Pallet Feed Mechanism Ring Gear Rotation Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing pallet transferring apparatus in multi-pallet systems for machine tools faces challenges with high manufacturing costs, complex structures, and difficulty in maintenance due to increased load-bearing components, which lead to structural damage and prolonged repair times when handling heavy workpieces.

Innovation Solution

A pallet transferring apparatus that replaces the rotating shaft and bearing with a circular ring gear and cam followers, supported by a guiding unit, allowing for stable rotation and easy maintenance by enabling the replacement of damaged components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the rotating shaft and bearing structure is used to support the carrier body, then the pallet transferring apparatus can rotate the carrier body, but the manufacturing cost increases and the structure becomes complicated when handling heavy workpieces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational operation stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the rotating shaft and bearing components from the system, replacing them with a ring gear that rotates directly on the supporting unit. This extraction of unnecessary components simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the rotational function through the gear mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional bearing-based rotational support system with a gear-based system. The ring gear engages with a pinion gear to provide rotational motion, substituting the mechanical bearing support with a gear-driven rotational mechanism that is more suitable for heavy loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the rotating shaft and bearing structure is used, then the carrier body can be rotated, but the manufacturing cost and repair cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational support capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a ring gear that can be manufactured more economically than precision bearings and rotating shafts. The gear components are simpler to manufacture and can be replaced more easily if damaged, reducing both initial manufacturing costs and long-term maintenance expenses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If the rotating shaft and bearing structure is used, then the carrier body rotation is enabled, but the repair time increases and repair difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational functionVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the rotational support function into modular gear components (ring gear and pinion) that can be independently accessed and replaced. This segmentation allows for easier maintenance compared to the integrated rotating shaft and bearing assembly, which requires complete disassembly for repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Force

If the thrust bearing and bearing are upsized to support heavy workpieces, then the load-bearing capacity increases, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the bearing-based load support system with a gear-based system where the ring gear and supporting unit directly bear the heavy loads. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive oversized thrust bearings and radial bearings, as the gear teeth and supporting structure inherently handle the loads more efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 reduces the risk of damage, lowers maintenance costs, and simplifies the design and supply of components, ensuring stable operation and efficient support of heavy loads without the need for complex bearing systems.

Implementation Method 1

a circular ring gear (100) coupled to the bottom of the carrier body (10) and transferring rotational force received from a servo motor (20) to the carrier body (10) to rotate the carrier body (10)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 2

The supporting unit (210) may include: a plurality of vertical cam followers (110) disposed in a lower part of the ring gear (100)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Data Source

PatentEP2471630B1Pallet feed mechanism for a machine tool

Publication Date: 2014.01.08 DOOSAN INFRACORE CO LTD

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a pallet transferring apparatus of a machine tool, which includes a carrier body 10 transferring a pallet, a circular ring gear 100 coupled to the bottom of the carrier body 10 and guiding rotation of the carrier body 10 rotated by a driving motor 20, and a supporting unit 200 guiding rotation of the ring gear 100 while supporting the ring gear 100.