Rotatable Suction Cup Workholding for Small-Batch Machine Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machine tools require lengthy setup times, especially for small batches of workpieces, leading to increased production costs due to the need for various adjustments of blocking members and workpiece holders.
Innovation Solution
The machine tool design includes adjustable suction cups mounted eccentrically on carriages, allowing rotation around an axis orthogonal to the blocking surface, enabling faster setup by positioning suction cups in multiple angular positions, and adjustable beam distance, reducing the need for extensive reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustments of blocking members and workpiece holders are performed to adapt to different workpieces, then the machine tool can process various workpiece shapes and sizes, but the setup time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cup is made rotatable about a vertical axis, transforming a static blocking member into a dynamic one that can adapt its orientation. This allows the suction cup to be positioned at different angular positions (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) to match different workpiece geometries without requiring manual repositioning or reconfiguration of the entire workpiece holder assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction cup is pre-configured with rotational capability and multiple possible orientations before the workpiece is placed. This preliminary design feature enables quick adaptation during setup by simply rotating the suction cup to the appropriate angle, rather than requiring time-consuming adjustments of blocking members or reconfiguration of the workpiece holder structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the position of suction cups is fixed on carriages, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the machine requires extensive reconfiguration for different workpiece dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cup is designed to rotate about a vertical axis while remaining mounted on the carriage. This dynamic feature adds adaptability without requiring the suction cup to be physically removed or the carriage position to be changed, maintaining structural simplicity while enabling adjustment to different workpiece dimensions through angular repositioning.
3Measurement precision
If blocking members are manually adjusted and repositioned for each workpiece, then precise positioning is achieved, but the setup process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable suction cup design allows rapid angular adjustment to achieve precise positioning for different workpiece geometries. Instead of manually repositioning blocking members along the beam, the operator can simply rotate the suction cup to the appropriate angle, maintaining positioning precision while dramatically reducing the time and effort required for setup.
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 design significantly reduces setup times and costs by allowing quicker adaptation to different workpiece shapes and sizes, optimizing the positioning of suction cups for efficient machining, particularly for small batches.
Implementation Method 1
On each carriage a suction cup is provided for blocking the workpieces to be machined
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~3A
AI summary
The machine tool (1) comprises: - at least one work head (9) adapted to support at least one tool (21); - at least one workpiece holder (30) comprising at least two substantially parallel beams (31) arranged at a distance adjustable orthogonally to the longitudinal extension of the beams; - on each beam (31) at least one carriage (35) movable along the longitudinal extension of the beam (31); - on each carriage (35) a suction cup (39) for blocking the workpieces (P) to be machined. The position of each suction cup (39) with respect to the carriage (35) onto which the cup is mounted is adjustable by rotating around an axis (D-D) which is substantially orthogonal to a blocking surface, for blocking the workpieces, defined by the suction cups (39). To each suction cup (39) an actuator (46, 48) is associated, controlling the rotation of the suction cup (39) with respect to the carriage (35) onto which the cup is mounted.