Removable Guide Bushing for Faster Swiss-Type Tool Presetting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Swiss-type machine tools require significant manual setup time, especially when dealing with tool holder arrays that have multiple tools, which adversely affects manufacturing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A Swiss-type machine tool design that includes a workpiece holding shaft and a supporting shaft, allowing for axial shifting and rotation, with a removable workpiece support and a probe for automated presetting, enabling the machine tool to autonomously learn tool positions and reduce setup time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual setup process is used with keyboard input and dummy workpiece, then tool positions can be learned, but setup time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual keyboard-input-based measurement system with an automated probe system. The probe automatically measures tool positions and workpiece dimensions, substituting manual operations with automated mechanical measurement, thereby reducing setup time while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine tool performs self-measurement using an integrated probe that automatically determines tool positions and workpiece dimensions without requiring external manual measurement devices or dummy workpieces. The system serves itself by autonomously acquiring setup data through the probe's measurement capabilities.
2Reliability
If guide bushing is permanently installed on workpiece supporting shaft, then workpiece support is stable, but probe cannot be connected to workpiece holding shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The guide bushing is designed with a removable connection mechanism that allows it to be detached from the workpiece supporting shaft when probe measurement is required. This dynamic reconfigurability enables the system to switch between stable workpiece support mode and probe access mode, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is segmented into separable components: the guide bushing can be independently removed from the workpiece supporting shaft. This segmentation allows the probe to access the workpiece holding shaft while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the remaining components during measurement operations.
3Productivity
If workpiece holding shaft is in retracted position, then tools can machine workpiece near guide bushing, but probe cannot be connected to workpiece holding shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece holding shaft is designed with axial movability, allowing it to extend beyond the workpiece supporting shaft when probe connection is needed. This dynamic position adjustment enables the probe to access the holding shaft for measurement while maintaining the ability to retract for normal machining operations near the guide bushing.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a swiss-type machine tool is provided that includes a workpiece holding shaft, a workpiece supporting shaft, and a tool holder associated with the workpiece supporting shaft for holding at least one tool. The machine tool includes a drive operable to rotate the workpiece holding shaft and the workpiece supporting shaft around an axis. The workpiece holding shaft has a work holder configured to secure a workpiece to the workpiece holding shaft. The workpiece holding shaft is axially shiftable relative to the workpiece supporting shaft to adjust a position of the workpiece relative to the workpiece supporting shaft. The machine tool further includes a removable workpiece support, such as a guide bushing, configured to be releasably connected to the workpiece supporting shaft and rotate therewith. The workpiece support slidably contacts the workpiece and permits axial movement of the workpiece relative to the workpiece support.