Quick-Coupling Tool Head for Sheet Material Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing numerical control machines for working sheet materials face challenges with cumbersome and time-consuming tool replacement, limited versatility due to the simultaneous presence of rotary disks and waterjet cutting nozzles, and hindrance in independent tool movement, requiring expert intervention and being expensive to maintain multiple machines.
Innovation Solution
A machine with interchangeable tools featuring male and female fast-coupling means allows for easy mounting and dismounting of rotary tools and waterjet cutting systems, enabling the use of any suitable tool or technology for specific operations, with a hydraulic connection system that automatically aligns and secures high-pressure waterjet components, facilitating simple tool changes and versatile operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary disk and waterjet cutting nozzle are simultaneously and integrally mounted on the supporting head, then the machine can combine two technologies for versatile operations, but the replacement and mounting of tools becomes extremely complicated and requires expert intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting head is divided into separate functional modules: a rotary disk assembly and a waterjet cutting assembly, each with its own mounting mechanism. This segmentation allows independent mounting and replacement of each tool type without affecting the other, simplifying tool changes while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
A universal quick-change mounting system is implemented that can accommodate both rotary disks and waterjet nozzles through standardized interfaces. This universal mounting mechanism enables versatile operations with different tools while simplifying the replacement process through consistent procedures
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary disk and waterjet cutting nozzle are simultaneously mounted on the supporting head, then the machine can perform multiple operations, but the non-working tool hinders the free independent movement of the working tool
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting head is segmented into separate mounting locations for rotary disk and waterjet nozzle, allowing independent positioning and movement of each tool assembly. This segmentation eliminates interference between tools during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow the supporting head to adapt its configuration based on which tool is active. The system can dynamically reposition or retract the non-working tool to clear the path of the working tool
3Reliability
If the waterjet cutting system is completely integral with the supporting head in a dedicated machine, then the mounting system can withstand high pressures, but it becomes extremely expensive to provide two different machines
Solution Approach 1:
A single supporting head design is created that can universally mount both waterjet cutting systems and rotary disks. The mounting system is engineered to withstand high waterjet pressures while also accommodating rotary tool installations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated machines
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the waterjet cutting system and rotary disk system into a single integrated supporting head assembly. This combination allows one machine to perform both waterjet cutting and rotary tool operations, reducing the need for multiple separate machines while maintaining high-pressure capability
4Adaptability or versatility
If tool replacement operations are performed on a machine with integral waterjet and rotary disk systems, then tool versatility is maintained, but the operation becomes cumbersome, complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is pre-configured with standardized quick-change interfaces and alignment features that enable rapid tool replacement. Locking mechanisms are pre-positioned to automatically engage when tools are mounted, eliminating time-consuming manual alignment and securing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The tool mounting system is segmented into independent, easily detachable components with standardized interfaces. This segmentation allows tools to be quickly removed and replaced without affecting other system components, significantly reducing tool replacement time while maintaining versatility
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for working a sheet material has a supporting frame, a supporting head connected to the supporting frame, a plurality of tools supported on a working device, a waterjet cutter, first and second male fast-couplers, and first and second female fast-couplers disposed on the supporting head. The first male fast-coupler is disposed on the working device. The second male fast-coupler is disposed on the waterjet cutter. The first and second female couplers are configured to alternately couple the first and second male fast-couplers.