Rotary CNC Machine Workholding for Vibration-Isolated Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Numerical control tool machines face challenges in reducing vibrations during high-power machining operations, which can propagate across multiple stations, complicating system compensation and affecting machining precision.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a numerical control tool machine with a rotatable table and multiple machining stations, where the piece or support is alternately fixed to the table or a station, using radial translation and rotational movements to confine vibrations, and includes recalibration and tool transfer mechanisms to enhance machining precision and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a station imposes a high-power machining operation, then machining capability is improved, but vibrations propagate to other stations affecting precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the workpiece support system into separate segments: the table and the support are disconnectable, allowing the support to be fixed to the station during machining. This segmentation isolates vibrations to the local station rather than propagating through the entire table structure, enabling high-power operations without compromising precision at other stations.
2Ease of operation
If the piece is fixed to the table during machining, then ease of operation is improved, but vibrations propagate across multiple stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic fixing system where the support can be selectively connected to either the table or the station based on the operational phase. During transport, the support connects to the table; during machining, it connects to the station. This dynamic reconfiguration optimizes both ease of operation and vibration control.
3Ease of operation
If the support is radially translated to and from the station, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radial translation mechanism serves multiple functions: it positions the support for piece loading/unloading, enables the support to approach the station for machining, and facilitates the disconnect/ reconnect operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each operation, thereby limiting complexity increase.
Data Source
AI summary
An operation method is described for a numerical control tooling machine comprising a piece-carrying table rotatable about a—in use—vertical axis and N machining stations, N≥2, arranged around the table, with the steps ofrotating the table to bring a piece in front of a station,disconnecting the piece from the table,transferring the piece from the table to the station,fixing the piece to the station,processing the piece at the station,disconnecting the piece from the station,transferring the piece from the station to the table,fixing the piece to the table,rotating the table to bring the piece in front of a different station or unloading the piece from the table.