Rotary Guide Bush Support for Long and Small-Diameter Workpieces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine tools lack a guide bush device capable of properly supporting workpieces with small outer diameters or long lengths during machining, particularly when held by the main spindle.

Innovation Solution

A rotary guide bush device that is mounted on a tool post and can move along the main spindle's axis and intersecting directions, synchronously rotating with the spindle to guide and support the workpiece.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a guide bush device is added to support workpieces with small outer diameters or long lengths, then machining precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide bush is nested within the guide bush holder, forming a compact integrated structure. The guide bush sleeve is further nested within the guide bush, creating a multi-layer nested configuration that reduces overall device complexity while maintaining support functionality for small diameter and long length workpieces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide bush device is designed with multi-functionality to handle various workpiece types (small outer diameter, long length, and standard workpieces) using a single integrated system. The adjustable guide bush can accommodate different workpiece dimensions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the guide bush device is made adjustable in multiple directions, then adaptability to different workpieces is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different workpiecesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide bush device incorporates dynamic adjustability through movable components that can be positioned in multiple directions (radially and axially). The guide bush can move relative to the guide bush holder, enabling adaptation to different workpiece sizes and positions without requiring a completely different device configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device is segmented into distinct functional components (guide bush holder, guide bush, guide bush sleeve) that can be independently adjusted and positioned. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific adjustment functions while maintaining overall system simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4681848A1Guide bush device
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 CITIZEN WATCH CO LTD
  • EP4681848A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4681848A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4681848A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a guide bush device that is easily applicable to machine tools and that can properly support a workpiece to be machined while it is held by a main spindle. A guide bush device (70) is mounted on a first turret tool post (20) to be at least movable with respect to a main spindle in a Z-axis direction along an axis of the main spindle and in an X-axis direction intersecting the axis. The guide bush device (70) is a rotary guide bush including a guide bush sleeve (72) and a guide bush (73). The guide bush sleeve (72) and the guide bush (73) of the rotary guide bush are controlled to rotate synchronously with rotation of the main spindle to guide a workpiece (W) fed from the main spindle while rotating.