Multi-axis Machine Tool Rotatable Tool Holder Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-axis machine tools face limitations in machining accuracy and flexibility, particularly when handling large workpieces due to interference issues and low rigidity in tool holder connections, which affect the ability to maintain consistent load transmission and precision.
Innovation Solution
A multi-axis machine tool design featuring a gantry with a tool holder that is rotatable about two mutually perpendicular axes, eliminating the need for a telescopic quill and ensuring constant rigidity, along with a one-piece gantry, beam, and carriage for enhanced accuracy and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a telescopic quill is used to extend the tool holder from the carriage, then the tool holder can reach larger workpieces, but the rigidity of the connection decreases and machining accuracy cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The tool holder is divided into a fixed portion mounted on the carriage and a rotatable portion that can rotate about two perpendicular axes. This segmentation eliminates the need for a telescopic quill while maintaining both reach and rigidity, as the rotatable portion can be positioned to access different areas of large workpieces without compromising connection stiffness.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool holder incorporates two perpendicular rotation axes that enable dynamic repositioning of the tool relative to the carriage. This dynamic capability allows the tool to reach various parts of large workpieces while maintaining a constant, rigid connection to the carriage, eliminating the rigidity loss associated with telescopic mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the quill is extended further from the carriage, then larger workpieces can be processed, but the transmissible load decreases and machining accuracy varies
Solution Approach 1:
The tool holder is segmented into a fixed mounting portion on the carriage and a separate rotatable portion. This allows the tool to be repositioned via rotation about two perpendicular axes to access different workpiece sizes and geometries, while the fixed mounting ensures constant load transmission capability independent of workpiece size.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual perpendicular rotation axes provide dynamic adaptability for processing various workpiece sizes and shapes. The tool can be oriented optimally for each machining task while maintaining a constant, rigid connection to the carriage, ensuring consistent load transmission regardless of the workpiece dimensions being processed.
3Device complexity
If a tool holder with one degree of freedom (rotational) is used, then the machine structure is simpler, but large workpieces cannot be processed due to interference with uprights
Solution Approach 1:
The tool holder is equipped with two perpendicular rotation axes instead of a single rotational axis. This dynamic configuration with five degrees of freedom (three translational from gantry movement plus two rotational from the tool holder) enables the tool to access all surfaces of large workpieces without interfering with the gantry uprights, while adding only moderate structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-axis machine tool presents a gantry positioned over a bed equipped with a machining station in which to position a workpiece, a moving beam associated slidably with the gantry, aligned on a horizontal direction and translatable in a vertical direction, a carriage associated slidably with the moving beam and traversable in the horizontal direction, and a tool holder mounted to the carriage. The tool holder is mounted direct to the carriage, making no use of quills or telescopic arms, with freedom to rotate relative to the carriage about two positioning axes.