Rotary Table Dressing Unit for Machining Tool Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machining devices require time-consuming and inaccurate reinstallation of finishing tools for dressing, leading to inefficiencies in maintaining machining quality due to tool wear during the machining process.
Innovation Solution
A dressing unit with a drive for dressing tools is mounted on the rotary table, allowing for in-situ dressing of finishing tools without removal, utilizing a central fluid supply station and transfer stations connected by a supply line to ensure fluid availability at all dressing positions, enabling movement and positioning adjustments for different tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If finishing tools are removed and reinstalled for dressing, then the dressing operation can be performed, but the machining time increases and positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the finishing tool and dressing tool into a single integrated tool unit that can be mounted on the rotary table once. The tool unit includes both the finishing tool for machining workpieces and the dressing tool for maintaining the finishing tool, eliminating the need to remove and reinstall tools separately for dressing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a finishing tool for machining operations and as a dressed tool for maintenance operations. The dressing tool is integrated into the same mounting interface and control system, allowing one tool unit to perform multiple functions without requiring separate tool changes.
2Ease of operation
If finishing tools are removed and reinstalled for dressing, then the dressing operation can be performed, but positioning accuracy of the finishing tool deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the finishing tool and dressing tool into a single integrated tool unit that can be mounted on the rotary table once. The tool unit includes both the finishing tool for machining workpieces and the dressing tool for maintaining the finishing tool, eliminating the need to remove and reinstall tools separately for dressing operations.
3Productivity
If a dressing unit is integrated on the rotary table, then dressing can be performed without removal, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the finishing tool and dressing tool into a single integrated tool unit that can be mounted on the rotary table once. The tool unit includes both the finishing tool for machining workpieces and the dressing tool for maintaining the finishing tool, eliminating the need to remove and reinstall tools separately for dressing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool unit is designed with movable components that allow dynamic adjustment between finishing and dressing modes. The dressing tool can be positioned and retracted as needed, and the entire tool unit rotates with the rotary table to access different workpiece positions, providing operational flexibility without requiring complex fixed installations.
4Reliability
If multiple transfer stations are arranged on the rotary table for fluid supply, then fluid availability at all dressing positions is ensured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid supply system uses dynamic coupling between transfer stations on the rotary table and a stationary external supply. The transfer stations rotate into position to connect with the external supply source, allowing fluid to be delivered to moving dressing tools without requiring complex rigid piping throughout the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer stations act as intermediary components between the stationary external fluid supply and the moving dressing tools on the rotary table. These intermediaries enable fluid transfer while accommodating the relative motion between the stationary supply source and the rotating tool positions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces the time required for dressing finishing tools, maintains machining quality without reinstallation inaccuracies, and allows for efficient dressing of various tools at different machining stations, improving overall machining efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of transfer stations for a fluid to be supplied to the drive of the dressing unit, which are connected to one another by a supply line extending along the circumference of the rotary table
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has a rotatably mounted rotary table (11) that is provided with clamping units (12) for clamping a workpiece (13). The rotary table is rotatably moved into processing regions of processing stations. A drive unit (18) is mounted onto processing station finish tool (14) that is moved to feasible position. A circumference of rotary table is provided with supply pipe (24) that is connected to central supply station (20).