Removable Guide Bushing Setup for Swiss-Type Machine Tools
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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, along with a removable workpiece support and a probe for automated presetting, enabling the machine 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 mechanical setup process with an automated probe-based measurement system. The probe automatically measures the dummy workpiece and tool positions, substituting human operators and manual keyboard input with automated mechanical measurement and data processing, thereby dramatically reducing setup time while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The machine tool performs self-measurement and self-programming through the automated probe system. The probe automatically measures tool positions and the control system automatically generates the machining program without external human intervention, enabling the system to service itself during setup
2Stability of the object's composition
If workpiece support is fixed to workpiece supporting shaft, then structural stability is maintained, but access to workpiece holding shaft is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece support is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to be selectively positioned between a fixed state (clamped to the workpiece supporting shaft for stability during machining) and a removable state (detached to allow access to the workpiece holding shaft for probe connection). This dynamic design enables the system to adapt its structural configuration based on operational requirements
3Device complexity
If workpiece holding shaft is in retracted position, then compact structure is maintained, but probe connection is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece holding shaft is designed to dynamically change its axial position between retracted and extended states. In the retracted position, the overall structure remains compact. When probe connection is required, the shaft extends axially to provide adequate access space for the probe, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural compactness and operational accessibility
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.