Rotary Table Transfer Machine Layout for Unobstructed Workpiece Rotation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Transfer machines face limitations in productivity and flexibility due to the space constraints and interference caused by rotary units, which are typically positioned on the working radius, limiting access and positioning of machining units and increasing the complexity of machining operations.

Innovation Solution

The rotary units are relocated inside the machine base, with the motor assembly positioned within the frame and the transmission assembly integrated into the rotary table, allowing for a selective coupling system that enables rotation of workpiece holders without occupying space on the working radius, thus freeing up space for machining units and improving accessibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If rotary units are positioned on the working radius to enable workpiece rotation, then the rotation function is achieved, but the space for machining units is reduced and access to workpiece is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece rotation capabilityVSAvoidmachining zone space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary unit is repositioned from the radial direction (on the working radius) to the axial direction (inside the machine base). This dimensional change allows the rotation function to be maintained while freeing up the radial machining zone for tool access and positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The motor assembly of the rotary unit is extracted from the working radius location and relocated to the machine base. This separation removes the interfering element from the critical machining zone while preserving the rotational functionality through the transmission assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If rotary units are positioned on the working radius to enable workpiece rotation, then the rotation function is achieved, but the positioning of machining units is interfered with

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece rotation capabilityVSAvoidmachining unit positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By moving the rotary unit from the radial plane to the axial plane (inside the base), the machining units gain unrestricted access to the workpiece from above and below, significantly improving positioning ease and operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If rotary units are positioned close to the tool working zone to enable workpiece rotation, then the rotation function is achieved, but the motor assembly is exposed to machining zone hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece rotation capabilityVSAvoidmotor exposure to chips and coolants

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The motor assembly is extracted from the hazardous machining zone and relocated to the protected machine base interior. This removes the motor from exposure to chips, coolants, and other machining hazards while maintaining rotational functionality through the transmission mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission assembly is integrated within the rotary table structure, nesting the rotational transmission mechanism inside the protected base area. This allows the motor to operate in a safe environment while still driving the workpiece rotation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple rotary units are installed to accommodate different machining cycles, then the rotation flexibility is improved, but the machine complexity and reconfiguration time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining cycle flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of rotary units

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary unit positioned inside the base serves multiple machining cycles and operations through the indexed rotation of the rotary table. A single rotary unit can support various workpiece rotation requirements across different workstations, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated rotary units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary function is merged into the fundamental rotary table indexing mechanism. By integrating the rotary unit with the existing table rotation system, the patent combines workpiece rotation with table indexing, reducing the need for separate rotary units at each station.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3445530B1Transfer machine with a rotary table

Publication Date: 2022.12.28 MIKRON SWITZERLAND AG ZWEIGNIEDERLASSUNG AGNO MACHINING

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

Transfer machine (1) for machining operations, comprising: a frame (2), a rotary table (3) with a rotary feeding movement relative to a machine axis (4); a plurality of workpiece-holder members (5) associated with the rotary table (3) and spaced by a working radius (r) from said machine axis (4), a plurality of workstations (9) accessible by said workpiece-holder members (5) as a result of the feeding movement of said table (3); at least one rotary unit (10) able to rotate a workpiece-holder member (5) about a respective axis (6) and relative to the table (3), wherein said rotary unit (10) comprises a motor assembly (11) located in the machine base, at a distance (of) from said machine axis (4) which is less than said working radius (r).