Push-Bar Index Apparatus for NC Machine Tool

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing index apparatuses for NC machine tools fail to stop the index table exactly after rotating it at an angle, often due to momentum, which results in inaccurate indexing of workpieces.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a stop mechanism that is moved to a position by an extra relative movement and engaged with engagement means, such as pins or teeth, to precisely stop the index table after rotation, utilizing a push bar and transmission means to rotate the index table at an angle and a locking mechanism to prevent momentum-induced rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the index table is rotated by momentum to complete the indexing motion, then the indexing speed is improved, but the positioning precision deteriorates because the index table cannot stop exactly at the desired position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindexing speedVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A stop mechanism is introduced as an intermediary element between the index table and the housing. This stop is movable and can be positioned by the push bar, creating a precise stopping point that the index table engages with, thereby eliminating the positioning error caused by momentum while preserving the speed benefits of momentum-driven rotation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the purely momentum-based mechanical rotation system with a hybrid system that incorporates a controlled stop mechanism. The stop mechanism substitutes for the uncontrolled momentum termination, providing a defined mechanical endpoint that ensures precise positioning while allowing the rotation phase to benefit from momentum-driven speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If a stop mechanism is added to precisely stop the index table, then the positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stop mechanism is merged with the existing push bar structure. The push bar that already exists for rotating the index table is also used to position and move the stop, combining two functions into a single component and avoiding the addition of separate complex positioning mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The push bar is given multiple functions: it rotates the index table during indexing operations and simultaneously positions and moves the stop mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving precise positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8037785B2Index apparatus for NC machine tool

Publication Date: 2011.10.18 KAWATA TETABUKOU

AI summary

A push-bar indexing device that, when an index table is rotated by a specific angle, the table is accurately stopped to accurately index a workpiece. Each time a push bar is moved, a stopper is moved to a predetermined position by excessive relative movement between a spindle and a main table. An engagement member is operatively associated with the index table, which causes the engagement member to be rotated by a specific angle each time the index table is rotated. This allows the engagement member to be engaged with the stopper of a predetermined position, causing the index table to be stopped by the stopper.