Rotary Table Loading Positions for Hard Fine Machining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hard fine machining machines are not efficiently adaptable to handle varying batch sizes, requiring either specialized machines for small batches or inefficient manual handling for large batches, leading to suboptimal use of resources and increased non-productive times.

Innovation Solution

A hard fine machining machine with a rotary table that has multiple rotational positions, allowing for both manual and automatic loading/unloading, with a door to seal the machining area for manual access and an automatic system for handling workpieces in other positions, enabling flexible handling of different batch sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a hard fine machining machine is equipped with an automatic loading and unloading system for large batch sizes, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and investment costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary table is designed with dynamically reconfigurable loading and unloading stations that can be positioned at different rotational positions. The system can switch between automatic loading/unloading (for large batches) and manual loading/unloading (for small batches) by rotating the table to bring different stations into the loading position, making the device adaptable to varying production requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The loading and unloading function is segmented into multiple independent stations on the rotary table. Each station can operate independently, with some stations equipped for automatic loading/unloading and others for manual operations. This segmentation allows the system to selectively use automatic or manual stations based on batch size requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If a hard fine machining machine is designed for manual loading and unloading, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases for large batch sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine is designed with universal loading and unloading capability by equipping the rotary table with multiple stations that can handle both manual and automatic operations. The same machine can serve different production scenarios (small batches with manual loading, large batches with automatic loading) without requiring separate specialized machines, achieving multi-functionality

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

3Manufacturing precision

If specialized machines are used for different batch sizes, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but device complexity and investment costs increase

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

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary table enables dynamic reconfiguration of the machining system by rotating to different positions based on batch size requirements. The same precision machining system can be dynamically adapted for either manual or automatic operation modes, maintaining manufacturing precision while avoiding the need for multiple specialized machines

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Loss of time

If non-productive times are reduced for large batch sizes, then productivity is improved, but automation requirements increase device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenon-productive timesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic loading and unloading stations enable continuous operation by eliminating non-productive manual intervention times. The rotary table can continuously rotate between machining positions and automatic loading/unloading positions, maintaining continuous useful action and maximizing productivity for large batch sizes without requiring complex external automation systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP1992439B1Precision grinding machine
Publication Date: 2011.07.13 KAPP GMBH & CO KG WERKZ MASCHFAB
  • EP1992439B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1992439B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1992439B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The machine (1) has a grinding tool (4) arranged on a tool spindle (3), and a rotary table (5) with a vertically aligned rotary axis (6). A workpiece spindle (7) is arranged on the rotary table. The rotary table has a rotational position (I) in which the workpiece is machinable by the tool, and another rotational position, in which the workpiece is retained to a loading and unloading station (8). The rotary table has a third rotational position, in which the workpiece is retained to another loading and unloading station.